Method and kit for purifying nucleic acids

ABSTRACT

Methods for automated extraction of nucleic acids are disclosed. Also disclosed are method and kits for isolating fetal nucleic acids from a plasma sample of a pregnant woman. The method includes flowing the plasma sample through a first filter under conditions that allow binding of the fetal and maternal nucleic acids to the first filter; eluting the fetal and maternal nucleic acids bound to the first filter to produce a concentrated nucleic acid sample; flowing the concentrated nucleic acid sample through a second filter under conditions that allow preferential binding of the maternal nucleic acids to the second filter; and recovering the fetal nucleic acid from the concentrated nucleic acid sample that flow through the second filter.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/011,267, filed on Aug. 27, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/682,551, filed on Nov. 20, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,574,923, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/213,942, filed on Jun. 26, 2008, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/933,113,filed on Oct. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,759,112. This applicationfurther claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/693,963,filed on Aug. 28, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/697,116,filed on Sep. 5, 2012. The entirety of the aforementioned applicationsis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to methods for isolating and/orpurifying nucleic acids and, in particular, to methods for isolatingand/or purifying nucleic acids from a sample using solid monolithfilters that are amenable to automation.

BACKGROUND

Nucleic acid purification is necessary for most molecular diagnosticsand research use only applications, including purification of fetal DNAfor non-invasive prenatal diagnostics (NIPD). The extraction process hasbeen streamlined and automated by utilizing magnetic bead- andmembrane-based formats. While effective, particles and membranes haveknown limitations when confronted with challenging clinical matrices.For example, membranes and bead-based columns are compliant, have smallpore sizes, and require some type of support in order to be processed bya centrifuge or vacuum system. The physical characteristics of membranesand bead columns result in significant fluidic resistance, which limitsthe type of samples that can be efficiently processed without cloggingthe consumable, and/or the total (input) sample volume that can beuni-directionally processed through the flow path. Conversely, magneticparticles must be distributed throughout the sample by agitation. Theneed to homogenously distribute magnetic particles within a solutionlimits the total input sample volume that can be processed with mostmagnetic bead consumables. Clinical sample attributes (such as viscosityor complexity) can lead to inefficient magnetic particle concentrationon the side of a tube or rod. And silica fines can break off of thebeads during the extraction process, losing their magnetization andcontaminating the final sample.

The high demand for molecular testing for both screening and diagnosticpurposes has increased the sample throughput requirements inlaboratories. Automation of the processing steps from extraction throughdetection is paramount to relieve these sample processing burdens. Withthe inherent limitations of the other extraction technologies mentionedabove, there still exists a need for a simple, low cost nucleic acidpurification system that is amenable to automation.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present application relates to an automated method forpurifying nucleic acids from a liquid sample, comprising: (a) loadingthe robotic platform with a plurality of pipette tips, each tipcomprising a housing defining a passage way between a first opening anda second opening and a filter occupying a section of the passage way,wherein the filter specifically binds to nucleic acids and wherein theautomated robotic platform is capable of automatically dispensingreagents, withdrawing sample contents, and moving pipette tips and/orsample tubes; (b) flowing at least a portion of a liquid samplecomprising nucleic acids in through the first opening of a pipette tipsuch that the nucleic acids pass through the pipette tip and bind to thefilter therein; (c) expelling the portion of liquid sample from thepipette tip via the first opening, wherein the portion of liquid samplepasses through the filter a second time while exiting the pipette tip;and (d) eluting the nucleic acids from the filter by flowing an elutionbuffer in through the first opening of the pipette tip and expelling theelution buffer from the pipette tip via the first opening, wherein theelution buffer passes through the filter while entering and exiting thepipette tip.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a method forseparating and isolating fetal nucleic acids from maternal nucleic acidsin a plasma sample, comprising: (a) flowing a plasma sample comprisingfetal nucleic acids and maternal nucleic acids through a first filterunder conditions that allow specific binding of the fetal and maternalnucleic acids to the first filter; (b) eluting bound fetal and maternalnucleic acids from the first filter to form a concentrated nucleic acidsample comprising fetal nucleic acids and maternal nucleic acids; (c)flowing the concentrated nucleic acid sample through a second filterunder conditions that allow the maternal nucleic acids to bind to thesecond filter and the fetal nucleic acids to flow through the secondfilter; and (d) collecting the flow-through fraction from the secondfilter, wherein the flow-through fraction from the second filtercontains fetal nucleic acids.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a kit for isolatingfetal nucleic acids from maternal nucleic acids in a plasma sample,comprising: a pipette tip comprising a self-supporting glass fritfilter, wherein the glass frit filter has a pore size of 2-220 micronsand is not treated or coated with an agent that improves binding ofnucleic acid to the glass frit filter, a first binding buffer formulatedto be mixed with a plasma sample and provide a first binding mixturehaving about 17-25% v/v of an aliphatic alcohol and a chaotropic salt ata concentration of between about 0.5 M to about 4.0 M; and a secondbinding buffer formulated to be mixed with a plasma sample and provide afirst binding mixture having about 0-10% v/v of an aliphatic alcohol anda chaotropic salt at a concentration of between about 1 M to about 4.0M.

These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent when theDescription below is read in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are schematics of various embodiments of a pipette tipdevice comprising a hollow chamber and a filter for purifying nucleicacids in accordance with the present application.

FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic illustrations of an exemplary process forpurifying fetal nucleic acids in accordance with the presentapplication.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict an Eppendorf epMotion 5070 sample plate layout (A)and arrangement of reagents/consumables on the Worktable (B). The sampleplate can be configured for up to 24 samples (columns 1, 5 and 9,respectively), although the epMotion will only process 8 samplessimultaneously.

FIG. 4 depicts real-time PCR results from automated extraction ofinfluenza virus admixed in a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA). Input NPAvolume=100 uL, elution volume=50 uL. Results are the average of 3replicate extractions from 5 distinct NPA backgrounds (n=15) perdilution level and influenza target. qPCR was performed on theLightCycler 480 system.

FIG. 5 depicts a Hamilton STAR deck layout for purifying genomic DNAfrom whole blood (not to scale). Deck Position 1=Hamilton 1 ml filteredtips; 2=Hamilton 1 ml non-filtered tips; 3=Akonni/Hamilton 1 ml LPT 2 mmfilter tips; 4=input blood sample carriers (blood collection tubes ormicrocentrifuge tubes); 5-9=290 ml reagent troughs for Lysis Buffer F,Ethanol, Wash Buffer J, Wash Buffer K and Elution Buffer A2,respectively; 10=96 deep well Binding plate; 11=96 deep well Wash J;12=96 deep well Wash K; 13=96 deep well Elution plate; 14=Hamilton HHS2heater/shaker with Nunc 96 deep well Incubation plate; 15=50 ml reagenttrough containing proteinase K.

FIGS. 6A-6G shows the results of various genomic DNA (gDNA) extractions.FIG. 6A shows UV-Visible traces from a NanoDrop 1000 (ThermoFisher) from10 randomly selected replicates of human gDNA extracted from wholeblood. FIG. 6B shows a 1% agarose gel of filter tip purified human gDNAextracted from whole blood. M=Fisher 24 kb Max DNA Ladder. Lanes1-4=˜100 ng purified gDNA from four randomly-selected replicates. FIG.6C shows the reproducibility of gDNA yields from 8 runs each in which200 μL pooled, whole blood input was processed in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 6D shows that the average gDNA yields from wholeblood was linear over a range of whole blood input volumes of 100 μl,200 μl and 300 μl processed (8 runs each) from 1 ml TruTip® filters(left side) and whole blood volumes of 1000 μl and 2000 μl processedfrom 5 ml TruTip® filters (center and right). FIG. 6E shows the resultsa cross-contamination study in which 48 400 μl samples (24 saliva and 24blank) were subjected to qPCR analysis. FIG. 6F shows UV absorbanceresults from a comparison of average gDNA yields from 7 individual,blinded saliva samples (Samples A-G; 400 μl input/100 μl elution)extracted using Qiagen's manual spin column method (right column/pairs)and an automated extraction method according to the present invention(left column/pairs). FIG. 6G shows the processing times for 200 μl wholeblood processed from a TruTip® filter (Column 1) as compared to fiveother competitor extraction systems (Columns 2-6).

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of a process forpurifying fetal nucleic acids in accordance with the presentapplication.

FIG. 8A is a picture of an agarose gel showing female and male genomicDNA fragmented by sonication to simulate lengths found in actualmaternal samples (female=maternal DNA, male=fetal DNA). FIG. 8B is adiagram showing recovery of fetal DNA at different dilutions. Real timePCR results from extracted samples containing fragmented male DNAranging from 100 to 1 ng and total DNA including 200 ng fragmentedfemale DNA per sample for TruTip (solid diamond and solid square) andQiagen (open triangle and X) respectively, n=3 extractions each with n=3per sample for PCR. Error bars indicate±one standard deviation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing fetal DNA (Chrom Y) and total DNA (Chrom 1)recovery with or without the enrichment step of the present application.Four replicates of maternal plasma, 5 ml each. CHY quantifies male fetalDNA and CH1 quantitates total DNA present (fetal and maternal). qPCR wasrun on the LightCycler 480 system with previously published assaystargeting CHY and CH1.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict a Hamilton STARplus deck layout for purifying DNAfrom large volume plasma samples (not to scale). The system is equippedwith 8×5 ml channels and 8×1 ml channels. Deck Position 1=Hamilton 4 mlfiltered tips; 2=Akonni/Hamilton 5 ml filter tips; 3=source plasmasamples; 4=50 ml conical tubes; 5=120 ml reagent troughs containingCN-W1, CN-W2 and CN-W4 reagents; 6=low-volume reagent troughs containingproteinase K, CN-B2, CN-B3, EBA2, EBB and CN-W3 reagents; 7=290 mlreagent trough containing CN-L1 reagent; 8=290 ml reagent troughcontaining CN-B1 reagent; 9=96 deep well plates for Step 1; 10=96 deepwell plates for Step 2; 11=sample carriers for purified, final product;12=Hamilton 1 ml unfiltered tips; 13=Akonni/Hamilton 1 ml LPT 4 mmfilter tips.

FIG. 11A depicts qPCR results from eight replicate samples of a pooledmaternal plasma sample processed with the large-volume filter tipprocedure. The full protocol (including off-line proteinase Kpre-treatment) is finished in approximately 2 hours. The average C_(t)values over all replicates were 34.58±0.66 and 29.76±0.50 for fetal male(CHY) and total (CH1) DNA, respectively, which demonstrates excellentrepeatability of the automated extraction method. The concentration offetal DNA within the total DNA pool (in genome equivalents), wascalculated based on fit point analysis comparison to standards, with theresulting average % fetal DNA across all samples of 2.8%. The actual %fetal DNA for this sample is unknown because the samples were pooledbefore performing the extraction. FIG. 11B shows a comparison of percentfetal DNA recovered from 11 unique duplicate maternal plasma samplesusing an automated system employing Akonni TruTip® filters in accordancewith the above-described extraction procedures (left column/pairs) andQiagen's manual Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit (right column/pairs).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application provides methods and devices for purifyingnucleic acids from a test sample. Specifically, the present applicationprovides a simple nucleic acid extraction technology whereby amonolithic nucleic acid binding matrix is inserted into a pipette tip ora similar device. Nucleic acid extraction is performed using a samplepreparation format that is compatible with most liquid handlinginstruments and is, therefore, amenable to automation and adaptable tomany medium to high-throughput clinical applications and samplematrices. In some embodiments, the present application relates to anautomated method for purifying nucleic acids from a liquid sample usinga robotic platform with a plurality of pipette tips.

The present application further provides a methodology adaptable forpreferential selection for low-molecular weight (LMW) DNA fragments(such as fetal DNA) from a background of higher molecular weight (HMW)DNA (such as maternal DNA). The methodology increases the percentage ofLMW DNA present in the sample regardless of the amount of HMW DNApresent and provides the ability to process large sample volumes, e.g.,up to 20 ml, so as to meet the sensitivity requirement for certainclinical applications. In some embodiments, the present applicationrelates to a method for separating and isolating fetal nucleic acidsfrom maternal nucleic acids in a plasma sample using filter(s) thatallow specific binding of the fetal and/or maternal nucleic acids to thefilter(s). The present application also provides kit for isolating fetalnucleic acids from maternal nucleic acids in a plasma sample.

As used herein the term “test sample” or “sample” refers to any materialthat may contain nucleic acid. Examples of the test samples include, butare not limited to, biological samples, environmental samples andnon-nature samples. Examples of biological samples include, but are notlimited to, tissue samples, biological fluid samples, cell samples,bacterial samples, and virus samples. Tissue samples include tissuesisolated from any animal or plant. Biological fluid samples include, butare not limited to, blood, plasma, urine, saliva, sputum, cerebrospinalfluid, nasopharyngeal, buccal, lavages (e.g. bronchial), andleukophoresis samples. Cell samples include, but are not limited to,cultured cells or cells isolated from any sources. Virus samplesinclude, but are not limited to, cultured viruses or isolated viruses.Environmental samples include, but are not limited to, air samples,water samples, soil samples, rock samples and any other samples obtainedfrom a natural environment. The artificial samples include any samplethat does not exist in a natural environment. Examples of “artificialsamples” include, but are not limited to, purified or isolatedmaterials, cultured materials, synthesized materials and any otherman-made materials. In some embodiments, the test samples includesputum, NALC-treated sputum, whole blood or blood culture, plasma,cerebral spinal fluid, nasopharyngeal swab and aspirates, bronchiallavage, fresh or frozen cells and tissues, FFPE samples, buffy coat,blood card, saliva, buccal swab, stool, solid or liquid bacterialcultures, NPA, recreational water and soil.

As used herein, “nucleic acids” refer to individual nucleic acids andpolymeric chains of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, whethernaturally occurring or artificially synthesized (including analogsthereof), or modifications thereof, especially those modifications knownto occur in nature, having any length. Examples of nucleic acid lengthsthat are in accord with the present application include, withoutlimitation, lengths suitable for PCR products (e.g., about 30 to 3000base pairs (bp), about 30-2000 bp, about 30-1000 bp), DNA fragments inthe length range of 50-600 bp, DNA fragments in the length range of100-350 bp, and human genomic DNA (e.g., on an order from about tens ofkilobase pairs (Kb) to gigabase pairs (Gb)). Thus, it will beappreciated that the term “nucleic acid” encompasses single nucleicacids as well as stretches of nucleotides, nucleosides, natural orartificial, and combinations thereof, in small fragments, e.g.,expressed sequence tags or genetic fragments, as well as larger chainsas exemplified by genomic material including individual genes and evenwhole chromosomes. As used herein, the term “low-molecular weight (LMW)DNA,” refers to DNA fragments having a length of less than about 20 kb,15 kb, 10 kb, 5 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 900 bp, 800 bp, 700 bp, 600 bp,500 bp, 4000 bp, 350 bp or 300 bp in various embodiments. As usedherein, the term “high-molecular weight (HMW) DNA” refers to DNAfragments having a length of greater than about 300 bp, 350 bp, 400 bp,500 bp, 600 bp, 700 bp, 800 bp, 900 bp, 1 kb, 2 kb, 3 kb, 5 kb, 10 kb,15 kb, 20 kb, 50 kb, or 100 kb in various embodiments. In someembodiments, the term “high-molecular weight DNA” refers to DNA in thesize range of 3000 bp or greater, 2000 bp or greater, 1000 bp orgreater, 800 bp or greater, 600 bp or greater, 500 bp or greater, 400 bpor greater, or 350 bp or greater, while the term “low-molecular weightDNA” refers to DNA in the size range of 3000 bp or smaller, 2000 bp orsmaller, 1000 bp or smaller, 800 bp or smaller, 600 bp or smaller, 500bp or smaller, 400 bp or smaller, 350 bp or smaller, or 300 bp orsmaller. In some embodiments, the term low-molecular weight DNA refersto fetal DNA present in the mother's circulation (e.g., blood) while theterm high-molecular weight DNA refers to maternal DNA.

The terms “monolith adsorbent” or “monolithic adsorbent material,” asused herein, refers to a porous, three-dimensional adsorbent materialhaving a continuous interconnected pore structure in a single piece,which may comprise a rigid, self-supporting substantially monolithicstructure. A monolith is prepared, for example, by casting, sintering orpolymerizing precursors into a mold of a desired shape. The term“monolith adsorbent” or “monolithic adsorbent material” is meant to bedistinguished from a collection of individual adsorbent particles packedinto a bed formation or embedded into a porous matrix, in which the endproduct comprises individual adsorbent particles. The term “monolithadsorbent” or “monolithic adsorbent material” is also meant to bedistinguished from a collection of adsorbent fibers or fibers coatedwith an adsorbent, such as filter papers or filter papers coated with anadsorbent.

Filters and Pipette Tips

The filter tip system of the present invention provides a nucleic acidextraction technology whereby a monolithic binding matrix filter isinserted into a pipette tip. The porous monolithic material bindsspecifically to nucleic acids and is composed of a rigid,self-supporting, substantially monolithic structure. In someembodiments, the porous monolithic material does not include additionalmaterials that provide nucleic acid affinity. In some preferredembodiments, the porous monolithic material is a glass-based monolithicmaterial such as a glass frit. In some embodiments, the glass frit is asintered glass frit. The porosity of the porous monolithic material,such as a glass frit or sintered glass frit, is application dependent.In general, the porous monolithic material should have a porosity thatallows for a desired sample flow rate for a particular application andis capable of retaining nucleic acids in a desired size range. In someembodiments, the porous monolithic material is a glass frit or sinteredglass frit having a porosity (i.e., an average pore size) in the rangeof 2-400 micron, 2-300 micron, 2-220 micron, 2-200 micron, 2-180 micron,2-160 micron, 2-140 micro, 2-120 micro, 2-100 micron, 2-80 micron, 2-60micron, 2-40 micron, 2-20 micron, 2-16 micron, 2-10 micron, 2-5.5micron, 4-400 micron, 4-300 micron, 4-220 micron, 4-200 micron, 4-180micron, 4-160 micron, 4-140 micro, 4-120 micro, 4-100 micron, 4-80micron, 4-60 micron, 4-40 micron, 4-20 micron, 4-16 micron, 4-10 micron,4-5.5 micron, 10-400 micron, 10-300 micron, 10-220 micron, 10-200micron, 10-180 micron, 10-160 micron, 10-140 micro, 10-120 micro, 10-100micron, 10-80 micron, 10-60 micron, 10-40 micron, 10-20 micron, 10-16micron, 16-400 micron, 16-300 micron, 16-220 micron, 16-200 micron,16-180 micron, 16-160 micron, 16-140 micro, 16-120 micro, 16-100 micron,16-80 micron, 16-60 micron, 16-40 micron, 40-400 micron, 40-300 micron,40-220 micron, 40-200 micron, 40-180 micron, 40-160 micron, 40-140micro, 40-120 micro, 40-100 micron, 40-80 micron, 40-60 micron, 100-400micron, 100-300 micron, 100-220 micron, 100-200 micron, 100-180 micron,100-160 micron, 100-140 micro, 100-120 micro, 160-400 micron, 160-300micron, 160-220 micron, 160-200 micron, 160-180 micron, 200-400 micron,200-300 micron, or 200-220 micron. In other embodiments, the porousmonolithic material is a glass frit or sintered glass frit having twosections of different porosity. Each section may have a porosity in arange described above (e.g. a 4-10 micron section and a 16-40 micronsection, or a 16-40 micron section and a 100-160 micron section).

In some embodiments, the filter has a thickness in the range of 1-30 mm,1-25 mm, 1-20 mm, 1-15 mm, 1-10 mm, 1-8 mm, 1-6 mm, 1-4 mm, 2-30 mm,2-25 mm, 2-20 mm, 2-15 mm, 2-10 mm, 2-8 mm, 2-6 mm, 2-4 mm, 4-30 mm,4-25 mm, 4-20 mm, 4-15 mm, 4-10 mm, 4-8 mm, 4-6 mm, 6-30 mm, 6-25 mm,6-20 mm, 6-15 mm, 6-10 mm, 6-8 mm, 8-30 mm, 8-25 mm, 8-20 mm, 8-15 mm,8-10 mm, 10-30 mm, 10-25 mm, 10-20 mm, 10-15 mm, 15-30 mm, 15-25 mm,15-20 mm, 20-30 mm, 20-25 mm, or 25-30 mm.

In some embodiments, the porous monolithic material may be modified withone or more materials having nucleic acid affinity.

In some embodiments, the filter is made of a porous glass monolith, aporous glass-ceramic, or porous monolithic polymers. In someembodiments, the porous glass monolith is produced using the sol-gelmethods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,810,674 and 4,765,818, which arehereby incorporated by reference. Porous glass-ceramic may be producedby controlled crystallization of a porous glass monolith. In preferredembodiments, the a porous glass monolith, porous glass-ceramic, orporous monolithic polymer is not coated or embedded with any additionalmaterials, such as polynucleotides or antibodies, to improve itsaffinity to nucleic acids.

Porous monolithic polymers are a new category of materials developedduring the last decade. In contrast to polymers composed of very smallbeads, a monolith is a single, continuous piece of a polymer preparedusing a simple molding process.

In some preferred embodiments, the filter is made of a finely porousglass frit through which a liquid sample may pass. The porous glass fritis not coated or embedded with any additional materials, such aspolynucleotides or antibodies, to improve its affinity to nucleic acids.Suitable substrates for purifying nucleic acids include porous glassfrits made of sintered glass, which are formed by crushing beads in ahot press to form a single monolithic structure. The uniform structureof the frit provides predictable liquid flow inside the frit and allowsthe eluent to have similar fluid dynamics as the sample flow. Thepredictable liquid flow provides high recovery during the elutionprocess.

In some embodiments, the filter is placed in a pipette tip. The filtermay also be fitted into columns, syringes or other housing of differentvolumes and shapes. The method described herein can be carried out usingvarious devices, including manual or automatic pipette, syringe pumps,hand-held syringes, or other type of automated or manual methods formoving liquid across the filter.

In some embodiments, the filter is designed to separate substantiallythe nucleic acids from extraneous matter in a sample. As used herein“extraneous matter” refers to all materials that are distinct from thenucleic acids in the sample. Examples of such extraneous materialsinclude, but are not limited to, proteins, starches, lipids, metal ions,and larger cellular structures such as membrane fragments and othercellular matters. The phrase “separate substantially” as used hereinrefers to separations that, in some embodiments, provide the nucleicacids in at least 30% purity with respect to the extraneous materials,in more specific embodiments provide the nucleic acids in at least 50%or 60% purity with respect to the extraneous materials, in still morespecific embodiments provide the nucleic acids in at least 70% or 80%purity with respect to the extraneous materials, in yet more specificembodiments provide the nucleic acids in at least 90% or 95% purity withrespect to the extraneous materials, and in still yet more specificembodiments, provide the nucleic acids in at least 97% or 99% puritywith respect to the extraneous materials. As used herein, nucleic acidsin at least 30% purity with respect to the extraneous materials means anucleic acids preparation in which the nucleic acids-to-extraneousmaterials weight ratio is 30:70 or higher. Similarly, nucleic acids inat least 99% purity with respect to the extraneous materials means anucleic acids preparation in which the nucleic acids-to-extraneousmaterials weight ratio is 99:1 or higher

Referring now to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a pipette tip device 100includes a housing 10 and a monolithic porous filter 20 that is capableof substantially removing nucleic acids from a liquid containing suchnucleic acids. In some embodiments, the filter 20 is a glass frit orsintered glass frit having a uniform porosity. In other embodiments, thefilter 20 is a glass frit or sintered glass frit having two sections ofdifferent porosity, wherein the section having the larger pore size isdisposed closer to the pipette inlet than the section having the smallerpore size. In all these embodiments, the glass frit is not coated orembedded with any additional materials, such as polynucleotides orantibodies, to improve its affinity to nucleic acids.

The pipette tip 100 comprises a pipette tip inlet or opening 16 forflowing nucleic acid materials from a sample source therethrough. Thehousing 10 is defined by a hollow chamber 12 between a distal opening 14adopted to receive a pipetting device and the inlet 16. The shape andsize of the housing 10 are not particularly limited. The preferredhousing configuration is substantially cylindrical so that the flowvectors during operation are substantially straight, thereby minimizingor avoiding dilutional washing that might occur with non-cylindricalconfigurations. In some embodiments, the housing 10 has a volume ofabout 0.1 μl to about 50 ml, about 10 μl to about 50 ml, about 100 μl toabout 50 ml, about 1 ml to about 50 ml, about 2 ml to about 50 ml, about5 ml to about 50 ml, about 10 ml to about 50 ml, about 20 ml to about 50ml, about 0.1 μl to about 20 ml, about 10 μl to about 20 ml, about 100μl to about 20 ml, about 1 ml to about 20 ml, about 2 ml to about 20 ml,about 5 ml to about 20 ml, about 10 ml to about 20 ml, about 0.1 μl toabout 10 ml, about 10 μl to about 10 ml, about 100 μl to about 10 ml,about 1 ml to about 10 ml, about 2 ml to about 10 ml, about 0.1 μl toabout 5 ml, about 10 μl to about 5 ml, about 100 μl to about 5 ml, about1 ml to about 5 ml, about 0.1 μl to about 2 ml, about 10 μl to about 2ml, about 100 μl to about 2 ml, about 1 ml to about 2 ml, about 0.1 μlto about 1 ml, about 10 μl to about 1 ml, about 100 μl to about 1 ml,about 0.1 μl to about 100 μl or about 10 μl to about 100 μl. In otherembodiments, the housing 10 has a volume of about 0.1 ml, about 0.2 ml,about 0.5 ml, about 1 ml, about 2 ml, about 5 ml, about 10 ml, about 20ml, about 30 ml, about 40 ml or about 50 ml. As used hereinafter, thevolume of the housing 10 is also refers to as “tip volume.”

Suitable materials for the housing 10 are not particularly limited, andinclude plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene),glass and stainless steel.

The sample filter 20 may be placed at any position within the housing10. In some embodiments, the sample filter 20 is placed in the closeproximity of the inlet 16 so that samples are filtered immediately afterbeing taken into the housing 10 through the inlet 16. In one embodiment,the sample filter 20 is contiguous with the inlet 16. In anotherembodiment, the sample filter 20 is separated from the inlet 16 by adistance of 0-60 mm, 0-40 mm, 0-30 mm, 0-20 mm, 0-10 mm, 5-60 mm, 5-40mm, 5-30 mm, 5-20 mm, 5-10 mm, 10-60 mm, 10-40 mm, 10-30 mm, 10-20 mm,20-60 mm, 20-40 mm, 20-30 mm, 30-60 mm or 40-60 mm. In otherembodiments, the sample filter 20 is separated from the inlet 16 by adistance of 60-120 mm, 60-100 mm, 60-80 mm, 80-120 mm, 80-100 mm or100-120 mm. In yet other embodiments, the sample filter 20 is separatedfrom the inlet 16 by a distance of 60-80 mm, e.g., about 75 mm. Thesample filter 20 may have a porosity suitable for the isolation ofnucleic acids of interests. In some embodiments, the sample filter 20has an average pore size of 4-5.5 micron, 4-16 micron, 16-40 micron,40-100 micron, 100-160 micron or 2-220 micron.

In some embodiments, the filter 20 comprises two or more subfilters.FIG. 1B shows an embodiment of a pipette tip 100 having a filter 20comprising subfilters 22 and 24. In some embodiments, the subfilters 22and 24 have different porosity and are placed in tandem with a spacebetween the subfilters. In other embodiments, subfilters 22 and 24 areplaced next to each other without any space between the subfilters (FIG.1B). In yet other embodiments, the subfilters 22 and 24 are fused toeach other to form a monolithic structure 20 having two sections (22 and24) of different porosity. Typically, the filter or filter sectionhaving larger pore sizes is disposed closer to the pipette tip inlet 16.It is believed that arranging the larger pore sized filter nearer thepipette tip inlet helps provide a pre-filter to avoid clogging of thesmaller pores with the sample material.

In some embodiments, the subfilter 22 has a pore size of about 80-200microns, preferably 100-160 micron and the subfilter 24 has a pore sizeof about 8-80 micron, preferably 16-40 micron. In some embodiments, thesubfilter 22 has a pore size of about 8-80 micron, preferably 16-40micron and the subfilter 24 has a pore size of about 2-16 micron, 4-10micron or 4.5.5 micron.

In one embodiment, the filter 20 has a thickness between about 1 mm andabout 20 mm. In another embodiment, the filter 20 has a thicknessbetween about 2 mm and about 10 mm, In another embodiment, the filter 20has a thickness between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. In yet anotherembodiment, the filter 20 has a thickness of about 4 mm.

In some embodiments, the pipette tip 100 further contains a pre-filter30 placed between the second opening 16 and the sample filter 20 (FIG.1C). The pre-filter 30 has a pore size that is larger than the pore sizeof the sample filter 20 and does not bind specifically to nucleic acids.In yet another embodiment, the pipette tip 100 contains an aerosolfilter 40 in the proximity of the first opening 14 to preventcontamination from the pumping device (FIG. 1D).

Sample Preparation, Binding, Washing and Eluting Conditions

The sample preparation step typically contains a lysis step to releasethe nucleic acids of interest from the original host, such as cells,bacteria or virus. The lysis of the cellular or viral structure can beachieved chemically (e.g., NaOH or guanidine thiocyanate), mechanically(e.g., glass beads or sonication), or physically (e.g., freeze-thawcycles). For tissue samples, an enzyme digestion step may be employedbefore the lysis step. The lysed sample is then loaded onto a monolithicfilter of the present application for isolation of nucleic acids. FIGS.2A-2D shows a typical process of purifying nucleic acids using thepipette tip 100 of the present application. First, the sample materialis passed (or flowed) through the filter 20 toward the pipettinginstrument, filtering the contents so that nucleic acids in the sampleare retained on the filter 20. Preferably, the sample material is passedback through the filter 20 toward the inlet 16 and then passed back andforth through the filter 20 multiple times (e.g., 2-5 times, 2-10,times, 2-25 times, 2-20 times, 5-10 times, 5-15 times, 5-20 times, 10-15times, 10-20 times or 15-20 times) to improve binding efficiency. Insome cases the sample material is passed back and forth through thefilter 20 at least 2 times, 5 times, at least 10 times, at least 15times, or at least 20 times or more. Typically, fluids are flowed acrossthe filter in a first direction and then flowed across the correspondingfilter in a direction opposite the first direction resulting in aflow-through fraction passing through the filter at least twice (FIG.2A).

Nucleic acids may be bound to the filters using suitable bindingbuffers. Depending on the target for binding (e.g., HMW DNA, LMW DNA orboth), suitable binding conditions can be achieved by adjusting theconcentration of one or more chaotropic agents and/or chaotropic saltsthereof. Exemplary chaotropic agents include, but are not limited tochaotropic salts, such as urea, thiourea, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS),guanidine isothiocyanate, guanidine hydrochloride, sodium chloride,magnesium chloride, sodium iodide, potassium iodide and sodiumperchlorate; aliphatic alcohols, such as butanol, ethanol, propanol andisopropanol; phenol and other phenolic compounds; arginine, andmagnesium chloride. Exemplary chaotropic salts include guanidiniumthiocyanate, guanidinium chloride, sodium iodide, sodium perchlorate,lithium perchlorate, urea and thiourea

In some embodiments, binding buffers are utilized to promote binding ofboth HMW and LMW DNA to a selected filter in a first step, wherein analiphatic alcohol, such as isopropanol is provided in a range betweenabout 17% to about 25%, preferably between about 20% to about 24%(optimal=22.5%) and a chaotropic salt, such as guanidine isothiocyanateand/or guanidine hydrochloride is provided in a range between about 0.5M to about 4.0 M, preferably between about 1.0 M to about 2.5 M(optimal=1.8 M). To promote selective binding of HMW DNA to a selectedfilter, an aliphatic alcohol, such as isopropanol may be provided in arange between about 0% to about 10%, preferably between about 4% toabout 6% (optimal=4.7%) and a chaotropic salt, such as guanidineisothiocyanate and/or guanidine hydrochloride is provided in a rangebetween 1.0 M to 4.0 M, preferably between about 3.0 M to about 4.0 M.To promote binding (and concentration) of recovered LMW DNA to aselected filter, an aliphatic alcohol, such as isopropanol may beprovided in a range between about 10% to about 25%, preferably betweenabout 15% to about 20% (optimal=17.7%) and a chaotropic salt, such asguanidine isothiocyanate and/or guanidine hydrochloride is provided in arange between about 1.0 M to 5.0 M, preferably between about 2.0 M toabout 4 M (optimal=3.3 M).

In the next step (FIG. 2B), the filter 20 is washed with a wash bufferto remove materials that do not specifically binds to the filter.Similar to that in Step 1, the wash buffer is passed back and forththrough the filter 20 at least 1 time, 5 times, at least 10 times, atleast 15 times, or at least 20 times or more. In some embodiments, thefilter 20 is washed with a single wash buffer before the next step. Inother embodiments, the filter 20 is washed with two or more wash buffersbefore the next step. This step is an optional step that may not beneeded in some embodiments.

The wash step removes extraneous, unbound materials present in thenucleic acid extracts or fractions. Examples of wash buffers include,but are not limited to, buffers containing guanidine, sodium acetate,and ethanol), buffers containing Tris and ethanol, acetone, ethanol,mixtures of acetone and ethanol, and other solvents that evaporateeasily to dry the filter.

In the next step (FIG. 2C), the filter 20 is dried by passing airthrough the filter 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or moretimes. This step removes the excess liquid from the filter 20 and allowselution of the bound nucleic acid in a smaller volume. This step alsoremoves the residual solvents from the binding and/or washing stepbecause such residual solvent may negatively affect subsequent reactionssuch as PCR. This step is an optional step that may not be needed insome embodiments.

In the next step (FIG. 2D), the nucleic acid bound to the filter 20 iseluded from the filter by a elution buffer. The elution buffer may bepassed back and forth through the filter 20 at least 2 times, 5 times,at least 10 times, at least 15 times, or at least 20 times or more.

Nucleic acids may be eluted from the filters using suitable elutionbuffers. Suitable elution conditions can be achieved by adding anelution buffer, Examples of elution buffers include, but are not limitedto, 1 mM NaOH, 10 mM TrisHCl or any low salt buffer or water, preferablypH above 6.5.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein allow for 1) isolationof a range of DNA fragment lengths from large volumes of sample; and 2)selective isolation of DNA fragments in a certain size range.

By embedding a monolithic binding matrix within a pipette tip, theextraction process and instrumentation required to purify nucleic acidsfrom difficult sample types is greatly simplified. The geometry andporosity of the binding matrix is tailored to minimize fluidic impedanceor clogging, while providing a large surface area for nucleic acidbinding within pipette tips ranging from 0.1 to 50 ml in total volume.The matrix is therefore microfluidic friendly, since low pressures canbe used to drive samples through it. Bidirectional flow during sampleaspiration and dispensing allows for prolonged residence time betweenthe sample extract and the binding matrix for optimal nucleic acidrecovery and elution, and enables relatively large sample volumes to beprocessed without clogging within a single filter tip. The pipette tipformat is universal to any device that pumps liquid, from a hand-heldpipette that is useful in environments where sample numbers are low orresources are limited to large liquid handling systems capable ofprocessing many samples simultaneously.

Separation of Low Molecular Weight Nucleic Acids from High MolecularWeight Nucleic Acids

In one aspect, the present application provides a method forconcentrating and separating low molecular weight (LMW) nucleic acids(e.g., fetal nucleic acids) and/or high molecular weight (HMW) nucleicacids (e.g., maternal nucleic acids) from a sample containing both LMWnucleic acids and HMW nucleic acids using one or more filters that bindspecifically to LMW nucleic acids and/or HMW nucleic acids. The methodcomprises the steps of passing the sample through a first filter thatbinds both the LMW nucleic acids and the HMW nucleic acids, recoveringbound nucleic acids from the first filter, passing the recovered nucleicacids through a second filter under conditions that allow binding of theHMW nucleic acids to the second filter to produce a flow throughfraction, wherein the flow through fraction contains the LMW nucleicacids. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps ofeluting the HMW nucleic acids from the second filter, then passing theflow through fraction containing the LMW nucleic acids through thesecond filter under conditions that allow binding of the LMW nucleicacids to the second filter, and eluting the LMW nucleic acids from thesecond filter. Alternatively, the method may further comprises the stepsof passing the flow through fraction containing the LMW nucleic acidsthrough a third filter under conditions that allow binding of the LMWnucleic acids to the third filter, and eluting the LMW nucleic acidsfrom the third filter. In some embodiments, the first and the secondfilters are the same filter. In other embodiments, the first filterand/or the second filter each comprises two subfilters of differentporosity. In some embodiments, the subfilters are placed apart from eachother. In other embodiments, subfilters are placed adjacent to eachother without any space between the subfilters. In yet otherembodiments, the subfilters are fused to each other to form a singlemonolithic structure with two sections of different porosity. In someembodiments, the first and second filter are the same filter with twosections of different porosity.

In some embodiments, the method described above (i.e., separation of DNAbased on size exclusion or enrichment) is used in isolation of cell-freeDNA from clinical samples, which are usually large in volume. Examplesof such clinical samples include, but are not limited to, samples frompregnant females (for separation of maternal and fetal DNA), samplesfrom cancer patient (for separation of normal DNA from tumor DNA),samples from transplant patient (for separation of host from donor DNA).In some other embodiments, the above-described method is used for in thelibrary preparation protocol prior to performing Next GenerationSequencing or for isolation of infectious diseases from renal samples.

In some embodiments, the method is used for separating and isolatingfetal nucleic acids from maternal nucleic acids in a plasma sample. Inparticular, the method utilizes filters with defined pore sizes for thecapture and concentration of both HMW nucleic acids (e.g., maternalnucleic acids) and LMW nucleic acids (e.g., fetal nucleic acids). Thisis followed by the capture (and exclusion) of HMW nucleic acids andretainment and concentration of the LMW fetal nucleic acids.

In preferred embodiments, the filters are placed within pipette tips sothat a sample can be loaded onto the filters and eluded from the filtersby pipetting the sample through the pipette tips. The pipette tip formatis amenable to automation on a variety of liquid handling instruments toprovide high-throughput processing capabilities.

In one particular embodiment, the method includes: a) flowing a plasmasample comprising fetal nucleic acids and maternal nucleic acids throughthe interior volume of a first pipette tip comprising a first monolithicglass frit under conditions that allow both fetal nucleic acids andmaternal nucleic acids to bind to the first monolithic glass frit, (b)flowing a first elution buffer through the first monolithic glass fritto elute bound nucleic acids, (c) flowing eluted nucleic acids through asecond pipette tip comprising a second monolithic glass frit underconditions that favor binding of the maternal nucleic acids to thesecond monolithic glass frit and collecting the flow through fraction ofthe eluted nucleic acids, (d) eluting bound maternal nucleic acids fromthe second pipette tip, (e) flowing the flow through fraction throughthe second tip again under conditions that favor binding of the fetalnucleic acids to the second monolithic glass frit, and (f) eluting thefetal nucleic acids to the second monolithic glass frit.

The sample can be any liquid sample containing nucleic acids ofdifferent sizes. The method can be optimized to allow separation ofnucleic acids in one size range (e.g., 50-600 bp) from nucleic acids inanother size range (e.g., longer than 600 bp). In some embodiments, thesample is a body fluid sample, such as blood, plasma, urine, saliva,lymph fluid or spinal fluid. In a particular embodiment, the sample is aplasma sample from a pregnant female.

The term “LMW nucleic acids” and “HMW nucleic acids,” when used in thecontext of fetal DNA extraction from maternal blood or plasma, refer tonucleic acids in two different size groups. Nucleic acids in the “LMWnucleic acids” group have sizes that are smaller than those of nucleicacids in the “HMW nucleic acids” group. In some embodiments, the term“LMW nucleic acid” refers to nucleic acids of 1000 bp or smaller and theterm “HMW nucleic acid” refers to nucleic acids that are larger than1000 bp. In other embodiments, the term “LMW nucleic acid” refers tonucleic acids of 800 bp or smaller and the term “HMW nucleic acid”refers to nucleic acids that are larger than 800 bp. In otherembodiments, the term “LMW nucleic acid” refers to nucleic acids of 600bp or smaller and the term “HMW nucleic acid” refers to nucleic acidsthat are larger than 600 bp.

In exemplary embodiments, the method is used for isolation of fetal DNA(typically smaller than 600 bp) from maternal DNA (typically larger than600 bp) in a plasma sample. The first step of the method utilizes afirst pipette tip of 1-50 ml that contains a first glass frit filterhaving a porosity that allows for thicker plasma samples to flow throughthe matrix without clogging and the thickness allows for optimal bindingof the smaller fragments. In some embodiments, the first pipette tip hasa tip volume of about 20 ml, about 10 ml, about 5 ml, about 2 ml, about1 ml, about 0.5 ml or about 0.1 ml. Suitable plasma sample volume isbetween about 1 to about 20 ml. In some cases, a sample may bedistributed among multiple pipette tips (e.g., 2-4) to increase thevolume of sample processed. The tip may be used with a motorized pipettefiller, the method described herein can be carried out using variousdevices, including syringe pumps, hand-held syringes, or other type ofautomated or manual methods for moving liquid across the glass frit orother type of filter. Columns, syringes or other housing for the filterof different volumes and designs can also be employed as long as thedimensions accommodate a large enough filter. In some embodiments, thefirst glass frit filter has a pore size of 16-40 micron. In otherembodiments, the first glass frit filter is a fused filter having afirst section with a pore size of 100-160 micron and a second sectionwith a pore size of 16-40 micron. In yet other embodiments, the firstglass frit filter is a fused filter having a first section with a poresize of 16-40 micron and a second section with a pore size of 4-5.5micron or 4-10 micron. The first glass filter may have a thickness of2-6 mm, preferably 4 mm, and a diameter of 5-10 mm, preferably 7-8 mm.In one embodiment, the tip is attached to a motorized pipette fillerwith adaptor. This set-up may be used for extraction of fetal nucleicacids from 10-20 ml plasma using the above-described bind, wash, dry andelution steps.

The binding condition for the first glass frit filter is optimized forbinding of both fetal DNA and maternal DNA to the filter. In someembodiments, the binding mixture includes plasma, reagents fordigestion, solubilization and denaturation of cellular material andother proteins present in plasma, including enzymes such proteinase K,detergents such as Triton, SDS, and Tween, and denaturants such asguanidine, and/or reagents that facilitate binding of the DNA of thedesired size range to the filter, such as guanidine, isopropanol andsodium acetate. In some embodiments, the binding mixture containsisopropanol or ethanol at a final concentration of 17-25% v/v,preferably about 22.5% v/v, and guanidine isothiocyanate and/orguanidine hydrochloride at a final concentration of about 0.5-4 M,preferably 1.8M. Such a binding mixture allows both the fetal DNA andthe maternal DNA in the binding mixture to bind to the first glass fritfilter. After passing the binding mixture through the first glass fritfilter in both directions (i.e., passing the filter in one direction toenter the pipette tip and passing the filter in another direct to exitthe pipette tip) for one or more rounds for binding of the fetal DNA andmaternal DNA to the filter, the bound DNA is eluded from the firstfilter with an elution buffer. In some embodiment, the first filter iswashed one or more times with a wash buffer. Elution of the bound DNA,which contains both the fetal and maternal DNA. In some embodiments, thebound DNA is eluted in a volume of 0.01-5 ml, 0.01-2.5 ml, 0.01-1 ml,0.01-0.5 ml, 0.01-0.25 ml, 0.01-0.1 ml, 0.01-0.05 ml, 0.05-5 ml,0.05-2.5 ml, 0.05-1 ml, 0.05-0.5 ml, 0.05-0.25 ml, 0.1-5 ml, 0.1-2.5 ml,0.1-1 ml, 0.1-0.5 ml, 0.1-0.25 ml, 0.25-5 ml, 0.25-2.5 ml, 0.25-1 ml,0.25-0.5 ml, 0.5-5 ml, 0.5-2.5 ml, 0.5-1 ml, 1-5 ml, 1-2.5 ml or 2-5 ml.In some embodiments, the bound DNA is elected in a volume of about 0.05ml to about 1 ml, or about 0.25 ml to about 0.5 ml so as to concentratethe fetal and maternal DNA. In applications where no enrichment of asubpopulation of DNA is required, this step is the last step of the DNAextraction process and the DNA is typically eluted in a volume of 50-100μl.

The second step of the method involves removal of the maternal DNA fromthe DNA sample eluted from the first filter. In some embodiments, thisstep is accomplished with a pipette tip of 0.2-2 ml, preferably 1 ml,that contains a second glass frit filter. In some embodiments, thesecond glass frit filter has a pore size of 16-40 micron. In otherembodiments, the second glass frit filter has a pore size of 4-10micron. In other embodiments, the second glass frit filter is a fusedfilter having a first section with a pore size of 100-160 micron and asecond section with a pore size of 16-40 micron. In yet otherembodiments, the second glass frit filter is a fused filter having afirst section with a pore size of 16-40 micron and a second section witha pore size of 4-10 micron. The second glass filter may have a thicknessof 2-6 mm, preferably 4 mm, and a diameter of about 2-6 mm, preferablyabout 4 mm.

The binding mixture in this step is optimized for binding the maternalDNA, but not the fetal DNA, to the second glass flit filter. In someembodiments, the binding mixture contains isopropanol or ethanol at afinal concentration of 0-10% v/v, preferably about 4.7% v/v, andguanidine isothiocyanate and/or guanidine hydrochloride at a finalconcentration of about 1.0-4.0 M, preferably 3.4M. After passing thebinding mixture through the second glass frit filter in both directions(i.e., passing the filter in one direction to enter the pipette tip andpassing the filter in another direct to exit the pipette tip) for one ormore rounds for binding of the maternal DNA to the filter, the bindingmixture is collected for the next step. The collected binding mixture,which is now designated as the flow through fraction from the secondfilter, contains fetal DNA and is depleted of maternal DNA.

The third step of the method involves isolation of the fetal DNA fromthe flow through fraction from the second filter. In some embodiments,this step is accomplished with the same pipette tip used in the secondstep. In these embodiments, the pipette tip from the second step isfirst washed with an elution buffer to remove the maternal DNA bound tothe second filter in the second step. The washed, maternal DNA-freesecond filter is then used to isolate the fetal DNA under conditionsthat favor the binding of the fetal DNA to the second filter. The boundfetal DNA is then eluded from the second filter with an elution butterin a volume of 0.01-0.1 ml. In other embodiments, a third pipette tip of0.2-2 ml, preferably 1 ml, that contains a third glass frit filter isused in the third step. In some embodiments, the third glass frit filterhas a pore size of 16-40 micron. In other embodiments, the third glassfrit filter has a pore size of 4-5.5 micron or 4-10 micron. In otherembodiments, the third glass frit filter is a fused filter having afirst section with a pore size of 100-160 micron and a second sectionwith a pore size of 16-40 micron. In yet other embodiments, the thirdglass frit filter is a fused filter having a first section with a poresize of 16-40 micron and a second section with a pore size of 4-5.5micron or 4-10 micron. The third glass filter may have a thickness of2-6 mm, preferably 4 mm, and a diameter of about 2-6 mm, preferablyabout 4 mm.

In some embodiments, the above-described steps in fetal DNA purificationis carried out using a single filter (i.e., a single tip). The bindingof fetal and/or maternal DNA is controlled by the composition of thebinding buffer (e.g., binding buffer 1 allows binding of both fetal andmaternal DNA to the filter, binding buffer 2 allows only the binding ofmaternal DNA to the filter, and binding buffer 3 allows only the bindingof fetal DNA to the filter). In some embodiment, the single filter is afilter with two sections of different porosity.

Kits

Another aspect of the present application provides a kit for separatingand isolating fetal nucleic acids from maternal nucleic acids in aplasma sample. The kit may include any combination of the abovedescribed elements. In one embodiment, the kit includes: one or morepipette tips having a frustaconical shape and being dimensioned to fiton the end of a pipetting instrument. The one or more pipette tipscomprise a tip comprises a filter comprising a rigid, self-supportingsubstantially monolithic sintered glass structure with a pore sizebetween about 16 microns and about 40 microns. In some embodiments, thekit further comprises at least one binding buffer formulated to provideconditions for binding maternal nucleic acids to a filter, wherein theconditions include greater than 0% and less than about 10% alcohol andguanidine in a range between about 1.0 M to about 4.0 M; and at leastone binding buffer formulated to provide conditions for binding fetalnucleic acids to a filter, wherein the conditions include alcohol in arange between about 10-25% and guanidine in a range between about 1.0 Mto about 5.0 M. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at leastone elution buffer suitably formulated to elute DNA from the sinteredglass structure and at least one wash buffer suitably formulated toremove extraneous matter not binding to the sintered glass structure. Insome embodiments, the one or more pipette tips comprise tip having twoor more filters placed therein. In one embodiment, the one or morepipette tips comprise a tip having a glass monolith filter with twosections of different porosity. In other embodiments, the one or morepipette tips comprise a tip having two filters of different porosity,wherein an end of one filter is fused to an end of another filter.

Automated Filter Tin Systems

Any mode of performing the method according to the present applicationcan be employed. However, the attributes, adaptability, simplicity andworkflow of the filter tip allow for it to be readily adapted,automated, and effective for a number of clinical sample matrices, inputsample volumes, and liquid handling systems. Thus, in a preferredembodiment, the mode of operation includes some kind of automation.

In some embodiments, the present application provides an automatedmethod for purifying nucleic acids from a liquid sample using the filterof the present application. The method comprises: (a) providing anautomated robotic platform capable of automatically dispensing reagents,withdrawing sample contents, and moving pipette tips and/or sampletubes; (b) loading the robotic platform with a plurality of pipette tipsof the present application, each tip comprising a housing defining apassage way between a first opening and a second opening and a filteroccupying a section of the passage way, the filter comprising amonolithic filter material that specifically binds nucleic acids; (c)flowing at least a portion of a liquid sample comprising nucleic acidsinto a pipette tip, wherein the portion of liquid sample is drawn intothe housing via the first opening, such that nucleic acids in theportion pass through and bind to the filter material; (d) expelling theportion of liquid sample from the pipette tip via the first opening,wherein the portion of liquid sample passes through the filter a secondtime while exiting the pipette tip; (e) eluting the nucleic acids fromthe filter by flowing an elution buffer in through the pipette tip viathe first opening and expelling the elution buffer from the pipette tipvia the first opening, wherein the elution buffer passes through thefilter while entering and exiting the pipette tip; and (f) repeatingsteps (c)-(e) in each of the plurality of pipette tips.

In a further embodiment, a wash step is included, wherein the filter iswashed by flowing a washing buffer in through the pipette tip via thefirst opening and expelling the washing buffer from the pipette tip viathe first opening such that the washing buffer passes through the filterwhile entering and exiting the pipette tip. Preferably, the wash step isrepeated multiple times in each of the plurality of pipette tips.

In a further embodiment, a dry step is included, wherein the filter isdried by passing air through the filter multiple times. In someembodiments, the filter is dried by passing air through the filter 10,20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more times.

In some embodiments, the filter material comprises a sintered glass frithaving a pore size between about 2 microns and about 220 microns and/ora thickness between about 2 mm and 6 mm. In certain embodiments, thepipette tip comprises two or more filters of different porosity, whereineach of the two or more filters binds specifically to nucleic acids.

In certain embodiments, the liquid sample is a plasma sample comprisingmaternal nucleic acids and fetal nucleic acids and a portion of theeluted nucleic acids comprising maternal and fetal nucleic acidsreleased from the first filter are flowed through a second pipette tipcomprising a second filter comprising a second filter material, whereinthe eluted nucleic acids are flowed up and down through a first openingof the second pipette tip, such that the maternal nucleic acids passthrough the pipette tip and bind to the second filter material and thefetal nucleic acids pass through the second filter material and thefirst opening of the second pipette tip from which they are recovered.

The systems, devices, and methods can be fully automated orsemi-automated by programmable logic. In one mode of operation themethod is performed in multiwell plates (e.g., 24-well, 96-well etc.).Preferably, the mixtures are mixed by use of automated liquid handlingas this will reduce the amount of work that needs to be done in order toprepare the mixtures to be investigated. Automated sampling protocolsmay also be performed by means of robotics using equipment and methodsknown in the art.

Any suitable machinery or equipment may be used to move the samplesthrough the automated purification system and its various processingsteps. For example, the systems employed herein can use a variety ofrobotics known in the art to automate the movement of samples, reagents,and other system components. Exemplary robotic systems have capabilitiesto move samples on one, two, or three axes and/or to rotate samplesabout one, two, or three axes. Exemplary robotics move on a track whichmay be situated above, below, or beside the workpieces. Typically arobotic component includes a functional component, e.g., a robotic armable to grip and/or move a workpiece, insert a pipettor, dispense areagent, aspirate, etc. A “robotic arm”, as used herein, means a device,preferably controlled by a microprocessor, that physically transferssamples, tubes, or plates containing samples from one location toanother. Each location can be a unit in the automated purificationsystem. Software for the control of robotic arms is generally availablefrom the manufacturer of the arm.

1 Robotics may be translated on a track, e.g., on the top, bottom, orside of a work area, and/or may include articulating segments whichallow the arm to reach different locations in the work area. Roboticsmay be driven by motors known in the art, which may be, for exampleelectrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically powered. Any suitabledrive control system may be used to control the robotics, such asstandard PLC programming or other methods known in the art. Optionallythe robotics include position feedback systems that optically ormechanically measure position and/or force, and allow the robot to beguided to a desired location. Optionally robotics also include positionassurance mechanisms, such as mechanical stops, optical markers or laserguides, that allow particular positions to be repeatedly obtained.

Exemplary automated sampling protocols may utilize, for example, anEppendorf epMotion 5070, epMotion 5075, Hamilton STARlet, STAR andSTARplus liquid handling robots. Such protocols may be adapted for RNAisolation, genomic DNA isolation from whole blood and fetal DNAextraction and enrichment from maternal plasma as further demonstratedbelow.

It should be recognized, however, that every clinical sample is unique,and will vary one to the next in viscosity, particulates, mucus, surfacecontaminants, microbial and/or human genetic backgrounds. Given expectedvariations in clinical sample composition and intended uses of anautomated filter tip sample preparation protocol, it may therefore benecessary to modify certain steps in a filter tip procedure in order toachieve desired results. For example, nucleic acid purity and/orrecovery from the filter tips described herein may be affected by anumber of parameters, such as (1) sample mixing and homogenization withlysis buffer (and alcohol); (2) flow rates; (3) sample numbers; (4)number and type of wash and (5) drying.

For example, regarding (1), while the filter tips described herein havea relatively large pore size, sample homogenization and liquefaction isvery important for efficient cell lysis, and subsequent binding steps tothe filter tip matrix. With homogenous and well-liquified lysates,samples can also be passed over the filter tip with higher flow rates,which reduces the overall sample processing time. As demonstrated withthe large-volume plasma protocol below, large input sample volumes canbe effectively processed with a filter tip, which provides users theopportunity to thoroughly homogenize and liquefy difficult samples(on-line or off-line), with only minor concern over input samplevolumes.

Further, it should be appreciated that slower flow rates during nucleicacid binding or elution typically result in higher nucleic acid yields,albeit at the expense of total processing time. Slower flow rates willalso minimize the extent of DNA shearing.

The optimum number of aspiration and dispense cycles is dependent uponsample type, total sample volume, and flow rates. Step 1 in FIG. 2A istypically the point at which cycle numbers (and flow rates) may requiresome empirical optimization, with samples such as nasopharyngealaspirate representing one of the more challenging lysates to optimizedue to the range of NPA viscosities from different patients.

Complete drying of the filter tip matrix is recommended to preventresidual organic solvents from co-eluting with the purified nucleic acidsample and inhibiting downstream processes or tests. Because the filtertip is not dried via centrifugation or vacuum filtration, it isimportant to maximize both the flow rate and cycle numbers during thedrying step. Sometimes there is a residual droplet of wash solution onthe terminus of the filter tip after the drying cycles are completed.The Hamilton robot has the ability to perform a “tip touch” on the sideof the well to release the droplet, thereby ensuring a solvent-freeelution. The epMotion system does not have this feature, but a pre-rinseof the filter tip terminus in elution buffer can be programmed toachieve the same effect.

Because the geometry, pipette tip material, and attachment method to therobotic channel arms are unique for each instrument manufacturer, adifferent filter tip construct is required for each liquid handlingsystem. The filter tip matrix dimensions (diameter, thickness, and poresize) do correlate with nucleic acid binding capacity (and elutionefficiencies), as is expected for any solid-phase extraction technique.While thick (>4 mm) matrices may be embedded into a 1 ml filter tip toincrease nucleic acid binding capacity for large-volume samples and/orequalize the matrix binding capacity across specific filter tip formats,there is a tradeoff between filter tip thickness and flow rates duringthe initial binding step (in the presence of crude lysates). Thus, it issometimes advantageous to embed larger-diameter matrices intolarger-volume pipette tips for the initial steps of an automatedprotocol, (e.g., the 5 ml Hamilton/Akonni TruTips® for large-volumeextractions). Given the specific filter tip configurations dictated bythe manufacturers of liquid handling robots, however, it is notreasonable to expect the filter tip nucleic acid yields to be identicalacross liquid handling platforms from different manufacturers, or acrossdifferent filter tip sizes. Clinical evaluation of automated filter tipprotocols and direct comparisons against commercially availableautomated systems will be reported in detail elsewhere.

Clinical samples (by definition) will contain significant quantities ofhuman genomic DNA unless they are acquired from normally sterile sites(e.g., cerebral spinal fluid). Sometimes the human genomic DNA isdesired, whereas in other applications the human DNA represents anunwanted genomic background. Other times it can serve as a carrier ifthe desired target nucleic acid is present in trace amounts. Thepresence of background DNA is usually not problematic as long as thetotal amount of nucleic acid in the sample does not exceed the bindingcapacity of the matrix.

In the case of the high-volume plasma extraction protocol describedbelow (FIG. 9), the objective was to isolate (fragmented) fetal DNA inthe presence of a 10-20 fold excess of maternal DNA, which is similar tothe sample preparation objective of infectious disease tests, exceptthat the sequences are highly congruent and can only be distinguished byhighly specific molecular testing and/or size discrimination. In someembodiments, total circulating DNA is isolated using a 5 ml filter tip,and subsequent high-molecular and low-molecular weight fetal DNA areseparated through subsequent binding and elution to a 1 ml filter tip byaltering the binding buffer conditions. Selective size separation andenrichment of target nucleic acids based on their binding and elutionproperties to a silica monolith is a significantly different mode ofaction than achieved by membranes or size exclusion spin columns. Sizeseparation and enrichment of microbial DNA from human genomic DNA may besimilarly accomplished via customizing filter tip binding and elutionbuffers.

Once an automated filter tip protocol is validated, there are relativelyfew ways to introduce error into the process. Nevertheless, it ispossible to set up the liquid handling robots with an incorrect filtertip or by placing reagents in an incorrect reagent trough. In someembodiment, pre-filled, foil-sealed reagent plates are provided to avoidsuch mistakes. The pre-filled plates can significantly simplify thecomplexity of an automated procedure, reduce the number of pipette tipsand consumables, and minimize the deck space required to perform theextraction. Thereafter, extraction results are typically indicative ofthe quality of the initial sample, where poor recoveries usually relateto sample degradation (during transport or storage) rather than errorsin the extraction method.

The automated protocols further demonstrated herein emphasize theutility of the filter tip matrix itself for processing diverse clinicalsamples, and how it can be adapted for large volumes and specific liquidhandling robots. The simplicity of the filter tip systems of the presentapplication also affords some cost advantages for those interested inpurchasing a new, automated nucleic acid purification system, becausethe primary hardware required for automating filter tip procedures isthe pipette channel arm itself rather than magnetic rods, vacuumsystems, or on-board centrifuges. Minimizing deck space with filter tipprotocols also enables advanced users to integrate upstream ordownstream automated processes with the filter tip systems of thepresent invention. For example Hamilton's easyBlood solution tofractionate whole blood can be incorporated with an automated filter tipextraction method, which would significantly streamline bio-bankingprocesses. Post-extraction processes, such as nucleic acid quantitationand normalization, PCR set-up and DNA sequencing are also readilyintegrated with filter tips using larger liquid handling platforms.

One aspect of the present application relates to an automated method forpurifying nucleic acids from a liquid sample, comprising: (a) loadingthe robotic platform with a plurality of pipette tips, each tipcomprising a housing defining a passage way between a first opening anda second opening and a filter occupying a section of the passage way,wherein the filter specifically binds to nucleic acids and wherein theautomated robotic platform is capable of automatically dispensingreagents, withdrawing sample contents, and moving pipette tips and/orsample tubes; (b) flowing at least a portion of a liquid samplecomprising nucleic acids in through the first opening of a pipette tipsuch that the nucleic acids pass through the pipette tip and bind to thefilter therein; (c) expelling the portion of liquid sample from thepipette tip via the first opening, wherein the portion of liquid samplepasses through the filter a second time while exiting the pipette tip;and (d) eluting the nucleic acids from the filter by flowing an elutionbuffer in through the first opening of the pipette tip and expelling theelution buffer from the pipette tip via the first opening, wherein theelution buffer passes through the filter while entering and exiting thepipette tip. In some embodiments, the steps (b)-(d) is carried out ineach of the plurality of pipette tips.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of washingthe filter by flowing a washing buffer in through the pipette tip viathe first opening and expelling the washing buffer from the pipette tipvia the first opening, wherein the washing buffer passes through thefilter while entering and exiting the pipette tip. In a relatedembodiment, the washing step is repeated two or more times.

In some embodiments, the sample flowing and expelling steps are repeateduntil all of the liquid sample passes through the filter at least once.

In some embodiments, the filter comprises a self-supporting glass frit.In a related embodiments, the glass frit is a sintered glass frit thathas not been treated or coated with an agent that improves binding ofnucleic acid. In another related embodiments, the glass frit has a poresize between about 2 microns and about 220 microns and has a thicknessbetween about 2 mm and about 20 mm.

In some embodiments, the liquid sample comprises plasma containingmaternal and fetal nucleic acids. In a related embodiment, the pipettetip comprises two or more filters of different porosity, wherein each ofthe two or more filters binds specifically to nucleic acids.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a method forseparating and isolating fetal nucleic acids from maternal nucleic acidsin a plasma sample, comprising: (a) flowing a plasma sample comprisingfetal nucleic acids and maternal nucleic acids through a first filterunder conditions that allow specific binding of the fetal and maternalnucleic acids to the first filter; (b) eluting bound fetal and maternalnucleic acids from the first filter to form a concentrated nucleic acidsample comprising fetal nucleic acids and maternal nucleic acids; (c)flowing the concentrated nucleic acid sample through a second filterunder conditions that allow the maternal nucleic acids to bind to thesecond filter and the fetal nucleic acids to flow through the secondfilter; and (d) collecting the flow-through fraction from the secondfilter, wherein the flow-through fraction from the second filtercontains fetal nucleic acids.

In some embodiments, the conditions that allow specific binding of thefetal and maternal nucleic acids to the first filter in step (a)comprise forming a first binding mixture that comprises the plasmasample, an aliphatic alcohol in a range between about 17-25% (v/v) and achaotropic salt in a concentration range between about 0.5 M to about4.0 M.

In some embodiments, the conditions for binding the maternal nucleicacids to the second glass frit filter in step (c) comprise forming asecond binding mixture that comprises the concentrated nucleic acidsample, an aliphatic alcohol in a range between about 0-10% (v/v) and achaotropic salt in a concentration range between about 1 M to about 4.0M.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: (e1)eluting bound maternal nucleic acids from the second filter to produce aregenerated second filter; (f1) flowing the flow-through fraction fromthe second filter through the regenerated second filter under conditionsthat allow binding of fetal nucleic acids to the second filter; and (h1)eluting bound fetal nucleic acids from the second filter in step (f1).In a related embodiment, the conditions for binding the fetal nucleicacids to the second filter in step (f1) comprise forming a third bindingmixture that comprises the flow-through fraction from the second glassfrit filter, an aliphatic alcohol in a range between about 10-25% (v/v)and a chaotropic salt in a concentration range between about 1 M toabout 5.0 M. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the stepsof (e2) flowing the flow-through fraction from the second filter throughthe first filter under conditions that allow binding of fetal nucleicacids to the first filter; and (f20 eluting bound fetal nucleic acids tothe first filter in step (e2).

In some embodiments, the first and second filters are self-supportingglass frits. In a related embodiment, the glass frits are sintered glassfrits. In another related embodiment, the first glass frit filter has apore size of 16-40 micron and the second glass frit filter has a poresize of 4-10 micron.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: (e3)flowing the flow-through fraction from the second filter through a thirdfilter under conditions that allow binding of the fetal nucleic acids tothe third filter; and (f3) eluting bound fetal nucleic acids from thethird filter.

In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second filtercomprises a glass frit comprising a first section having a first poresize and second section having a second pore size, wherein the firstpore size is different from the second pore size.

In some embodiments, the first filter and the second filter are the samefilter.

Another aspect of the present application relates to a kit for isolatingfetal nucleic acids from maternal nucleic acids in a plasma sample,comprising: a pipette tip comprising a self-supporting glass fritfilter, wherein the glass frit filter has a pore size of 2-220 micronsand is not treated or coated with an agent that improves binding ofnucleic acid to the glass frit filter, a first binding buffer formulatedto be mixed with a plasma sample and provide a first binding mixturehaving about 17-25% v/v of an aliphatic alcohol and a chaotropic salt ata concentration of between about 0.5 M to about 4.0 M; and a secondbinding buffer formulated to be mixed with a plasma sample and provide afirst binding mixture having about 0-10% v/v of an aliphatic alcohol anda chaotropic salt at a concentration of between about 1 M to about 4.0M.

In some embodiments, the kit comprises a first pipette tip comprising afirst glass frit filter and having a tip volume of 0.5-50 ml; and asecond pipette tip comprising a second glass fit filter and having a tipvolume of 0.5-50 ml. In a related embodiment, the first glass fritfilter has a pore size of 16-40 micron and the second glass flit filterhas a pore size of 4-10 micron. In some embodiments, the glass fritfilter comprises a fused glass frit comprising a first section having afirst pore size and second section having a second pore size. In arelated embodiment, the first section has a pore size of 100-160 micronsand the second section has a pore size of 16-40 microns, or wherein thefirst section has a pore size of 16-40 microns and the second sectionhas a pore size of 4-10 microns.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples are provided to illustrate certain aspects of thepresent invention and to aid those of skill in the art in the art inpracticing the invention. These Examples are in no way to be consideredto limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Example 1: Automated RNA Extraction from Nasopharyngeal Aspirate

An Eppendorf epMotion 5070 liquid handling robot was used with a largepore Akonni TruTip® matrix embedded in 1.2 ml Eppendorf pipette tips, a2 ml deep-well plate (USA Scientific), Akonni TruTip® extractionreagents, and nasopharyngeal aspirate as the sample matrix. The epMotion5070 liquid handling robot only holds up to 8 tips simultaneously, so abaseline automated protocol is described for 8 parallel extractions.However, up to 24 samples can be processed during a single program inone deep-well 96-well sample plate. A separate epMotion program isavailable (and required) in order to process 16 or 24 samples. Theprotocol outlined below is for an 8 sample automated script.

Setup:

1.1 Bring nasopharyngeal samples to room temperature before starting theextraction.

1.2. Aliquot 100 μL nasopharyngeal aspirate plus 150 μL nuclease-freewater into column 1 of the sample plate; FIG. 3A).

1.3 Place the sample plate into position B1 on the epMotion Worktable(FIG. 2B).

1.4 Place pipette tips, filter tips and 30 ml reagent troughs onto theirrespective epMotion Worktable positions (FIG. 3B).

1.5 Open the Eppendorf epBlue software, select the Run file provided byAkonni for 8 samples, and load the method by clicking the RUN button onthe RUN tab.

1.6 Under Level Sensor Settings, select Levels and Tips, and click theRUN button.

1.7 Input the sample volume into the software and click RUN.

1.8 The epMotion script will prompt the user to add extraction andelution reagents to the reagent reservoirs located at position B2 on theWorktable. Add the recommended volumes of each reagent to the respectivetrough. For 8 samples, the minimum reagent volumes are depicted in Table1:

TABLE 1 Reagent Volume (ml) Trough Position 95% ethanol 3.5 2 WashBuffer D 9.0 3 Wash Buffer E 9.0 4 Elution Buffer A2 1.3 5 Lysis andBinding Buffer D 11.0 6

1.9 Input the reagent volumes into the Table presented by the epMotionsoftware during the prompt from Step 1.8 above. The volume of bufferdispensed by the user into each respective reagent reservoir must begreater than or equal to the minimum volumes noted above. If the actualbuffer volume is significantly greater than the recommended volumes fromStep 1.8, input the approximate volume within each reservoir into theepMotion software Table. Incorrect volume entries could result inincorrect aliquot volumes delivered by the epMotion hardware to eachtube or well in the 96-well plate(s).

Automated Program:

1.10 Select RUN to start the automated method. The automated script willmove through the following steps (i.e., 1.11-1.23) without userintervention:

Sample Lysis and Reagent Aliquotting.

1.11 Dispense 375 μL Lysis Buffer D into column 1 and mix for 10 cycles(aspirate+dispense=1 cycle). This step starts the lysis incubationprocess while the remaining reagents are aliquotted.

1.12 Dispense 1.6 ml Wash Buffer D into column 2.

1.13 Dispense 1.6 ml Wash Buffer E into column 3.

1.14 Dispense 50 μL Elution Buffer A into column 4.

1.15 Pause for 6 minutes to complete the 10 minute sample incubation inLysis Buffer D.

1.16 Add 375 μL ethanol to each well in column 1, mixing each samplewith ethanol through 10 pipetting cycles.

Extraction:

1.17 Load 8 filter tips from position A2 on the Worktable, and begin theextraction process outlined in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

1.18 Aspirate and dispense sample/lysis buffer/ethanol mixture fromcolumn 1 the Sample Plate for seven cycles to bind the nucleic acid tothe TruTip® matrix. Although sample flow through the TruTip® matrix mayvary (due to differences in clinical sample viscosity), nucleic acidyield will not be affected. Options for improving sample flow aredescribed in the Discussion.

1.19 Move filter tips to Sample Plate column 2, and cycle Wash Buffer D5 times over the matrix to remove residual lysis buffer and samplematrix.

1.20 Move filter tips to Sample Plate column 3, and cycle Wash Buffer E5 times over the matrix to remove proteins and other contaminants fromthe bound nucleic acid.

1.21 Move filter tips to the empty reagent reservoir position 1 (inWorktable location B2) and cycle 80 times (at a fast flow rate) to dryit the matrix. It is important to thoroughly dry the filter tip, asresidual solvents in eluted nucleic acid preparations will negativelyaffect enzymes such as reverse transcriptase and Taq polymerase.

1.22 Move filter tips to Sample Plate column 4 and cycle 5 times inElution Buffer A. The extracted and purified nucleic acid is now inelution buffer in Sample Plate column 4 wells.

1.23 Eject filter tips into the epMotion waste bin.

When the program is finished, manually remove the Sample Plate from theinstrument and transfer the purified nucleic acid to new tubes forlong-term storage or further use. Advanced epMotion users can addinstructions to the Run file to transfer eluted samples into separatestorage tubes or PCR plates, if desired. The program for 16 totalsamples will repeat steps 1.11 through 1.16 using Sample Plate columns5-8. For the 24-sample program, steps 1.11 through 1.16 are repeated 2more times using Sample Plate columns 5-8 and 9-12, respectively.

Table 2 provides a listing of the reagents and equipment used in Example1:

TABLE 2 Reagents and equipment used in Example 1. CatalogReagent/Material Company Number TruTip Influenza Extraction AkonniBiosystems 300-11120 Kit (EPM TruTips) 95% Ethanol Acros AC615110040Organics/Fisher Scientific 99% Acetone Sigma-Aldrich 270725-4LDEPC-treated water Life Technologies AM9906 Reagent Reservoir, 30 mlEppendorf 960050100 Deep well plate 96/2000 μL USA Scientific 30502302epT.I.P.S. Motion Eppendorf 960050100 Filtertips, 1000 μL CatalogEquipment Company Number epMotion 5070 System Eppendorf Dispensing toolTM1000-8 Eppendorf 960001061 Reservoir rack Eppendorf 960002148

Representative Results:

Real-time PCR data for influenza RNA extraction from nasopharyngealaspirates are shown in FIG. 4. A linear response in average C_(t) valuesis observed between 10⁴ and 10⁶ gene copies ml⁻¹ of influenza (R²=0.99and 0.98 for influenza A and B, respectively), with standard deviationsin average C_(t) values less than 1 cycle. The total sample processingtime is 16, 28 and 40 minutes for 8, 16 and 24 samples, respectively.Because a typical nasopharyngeal aspirate or swab will contain >10⁴TCID₅₀ ml⁻¹ influenza A or B, representing >10⁷ gene copies ml⁻¹(assuming 1000 virions per TCID₅₀), the automated epMotion protocol istherefore expected to be effective on a majority of clinical NPAspecimens.

Example 2: Automatic Extraction of Genomic DNA

A Hamilton STAR liquid handling robot was used to demonstrate automatedextraction of 96 samples simultaneously from whole blood. The HamiltonSTAR differs from the epMotion system in that an optional heater/shakerunit is available on the deck, which is important for enzymaticdigestion of certain clinical matrices, such as whole blood. Because thesystem can be fitted with a 96-channel pipette head, there is adedicated 96-well plate for each of the filter tip steps and reagents.

Setup:

2.1 Turn on the STAR instrument and computer.

2.2 Open the Hamilton Run Control software.

2.3 Open the Run file provided by Akonni for 96 samples.

2.4 Place labware onto the STAR deck as shown in FIG. 5.

2.5 Dispense reagents into their corresponding troughs (volumes denotethe minimum required to process 96 samples) in accordance with Table 3:

TABLE 3 Reagent Volume (ml) Trough Position Lysis and Binding Buffer F75 5 95% ethanol 100 6 Wash Buffer J 175 7 Wash Buffer K 175 8 ElutionBuffer A2 12 9 Proteinase K (20 mg ml⁻¹) 8 15

2.6 Allow samples to equilibrate to room temperature.

2.7 Place the sample tubes in the Sample Carrier racks (deck position 4in FIG. 5). Place Sample 1 in the rear of the far left carrier and movesequentially down each carrier with Sample 96 ending in the front rightposition.

Automated Program:

2.8 Select the PLAY button in the upper left of the Run file window. Theautomated script will move through the following steps without userintervention:Ppp

Pre-Treatment:

2.9 Transfer 200 μl, from each sample tube to the incubation plate atposition 14 on the heater/shaker module (FIG. 5).

2.10 Dispense 80 μL proteinase K into each sample well of the incubationplate.

2.11 Dispense 600 μL Lysis Buffer F into each well of the incubationplate.

2.12 Mix the solution for 10 cycles through the filter tip, and thenincubate for 20 minutes at 70° C. and 500 rpm. While the samples areincubating, the liquid handling system continues operating by dispensingreagents into their corresponding plates and wells:

-   -   800 μL ethanol into each well of the deep well plate at position        10.    -   1.6 ml Wash Buffer J into each well of the deep well plate at        position 11.    -   1.6 ml Wash Buffer K into each well of the deep well plate at        position 12.    -   100 μL Elution Buffer A into each well of the deep well plate at        position 13.

2.13 After the 20 minute incubation, the sample mixture is transferredfrom the incubation plate to the deep well plate at position 10, andmixed through 12 pipetting cycles.

2.14 Eject reagent tips into the waste bin.

Extraction

This portion of the gDNA blood procedure is very similar to the epMotioninfluenza protocol, except for the composition of wash reagents andcycle numbers. The Hamilton TruTips® tips are carbon impregnated toallow for liquid level sensing, so the flow of liquids through theTruTip is not readily visible to the user.

2.15 Load 96 TruTips® from deck position 3.

2.16 Aspirate and dispense the sample/lysis buffer/ethanol mixture inposition 10 for 10 cycles to bind nucleic acids to the TruTips® matrix.

2.17 Move the filter tips to position 11 and cycle Wash Buffer J 5 timesover the matrix to remove residual lysis buffer and sample matrix.

2.18 Move the filter tips to position 12 and cycle Wash Buffer K 5 timesto remove proteins and other contaminants from the bound nucleic acid.

2.19 Cycle the filter tip 40 times at high speed to air dry.

2.20 Move the filter tips to position 13 and cycle 5 times in ElutionBuffer A2. The extracted and purified nucleic acid is now in elutionbuffer in the deep well plate.

2.21 Eject filter tips into the waste bin.

When the program is finished, remove the Elution Plate from theinstrument and transfer the extracted samples to the appropriate tubesfor storage or downstream applications.

Table 4 provides a listing of the reagents and equipment used in Example2:

TABLE 4 Reagents and equipment used in Example 2. Reagent/MaterialCompany Catalog Number TruTip gDNA Blood Extraction Akonni Biosystems300-20341 Kit (Hamilton TruTips ®) 95% ethanol Acros AC615110040Organics/Fisher Scientific Proteinase K Amresco E195 1 ml Hamiltonfiltered Hamilton 235905 CO-RE 96 tip rack 1 ml Hamilton non-filteredHamilton 235904 CO-RE 96 tip rack 50 ml Reagent Trough Hamilton 187297Deep Well 2 ml plate USA Scientific 1896-2800 Nunc 96 DWP-2 mlThermafisher 27874 Reagent Trough Fisher 14-222-412 Equipment CompanyCompany Catalog Number Hamilton STAR System Hamilton 8-channel liquidhandling arm Hamilton 173027 96-channel head Hamilton 199090 TipCarriers (TIP_CAR_480BC) Hamilton 182085 Sample Carriers Hamilton 173400for carriers (SMP_CAR_32 _EPIL) Hamilton 182438 for inserts PlateCarriers (PLT_CAR_L5AC) Hamilton 182090 Multiflex Carrier Hamilton188039 HHS2 Unit Hamilton 199033 Rack Carrier Hamilton 188047(rackformfx_car_L5_rgt5)

Representative Results:

Given the range of molecular tests performed on human genomic DNA, theprimary objective of nucleic acid extraction from whole blood is toproduce pure, high molecular weight genomic DNA. The automated protocolfor 96 samples is completed within 1 hr. FIG. 6A shows the UV/Visabsorbance profiles for 45 positive blood samples processedsimultaneously with 45 reagent blanks on the Hamilton STAR protocol,with an average A_(260/280) ratio of 1.96 and average A_(260/230) ratioof 1.93. An A_(260/280) ratio between 1.7-2.0 and A_(260/230) ratio >1.7are generally indicative of very pure DNA, free of residual salts,proteins or solvents, and acceptable for most downstream molecularapplications. The 1% agarose gel in FIG. 6B shows that the resultinggDNA is of high molecular weight (>24 Kb), with minimal shearing. HumanDNA from the full set of 45 positive samples was quantified with theQuantifiler® Human DNA Quantification Kit (Life Technologies) on theLightCycler® 480 system, resulting in an average yield of 5.26±0.46 ughuman DNA per 200 uL whole blood.

Table 5 shows the average A_(260/280) ratios from automatically purifiedgDNA from whole blood, buffy coat, saliva, buccal swab, rat lung, ratliver, rat spleen and rat kidney.

TABLE 5 Genomic DNA quality from various sample types. Sample Type AvgA260/A280 Whole Blood 1.92 Buffy Coat 1.88 Oragene Saliva 1.78 BuccalSwab 1.90 Rat Lung 1.86 Rat Liver 2.06 Rat Spleen 2.10 Rat Kidney 2.12

FIG. 6C shows real-time qPCR results from 8 runs each in which 200 μlpooled, whole blood input was processed with a 1 ml TruTip® filter andeluted in a volume of 100 μl. The results shows that the average yieldof human DNA isolated by different operators over 3 separate days washighly reproducible. FIG. 6D shows that the average gDNA yields fromwhole blood was linear over a range of whole blood input volumes of 100μL, 200 μL and 300 μL processed (8 runs each) from 1 ml TruTip® filters(left side) and whole blood volumes of 1000 μL and 2000 μL processedfrom 5 ml TruTip® filters (center and right). FIG. 6E shows the resultsa cross-contamination study in which a plate containing 24 saliva wellsand 24 PBS wells was subjected to the automatic DNA extraction process.The extracted DNA from each well was then amplified with qPCR. As shownin FIG. 6E, there was no cross-contamination between wells. FIG. 6Fshows UV absorbance results from a comparison of average gDNA yieldsfrom 7 individual, blinded saliva samples (Samples A-G; 400 μl input/100μl elution) extracted using Qiagen's manual spin column method (rightcolumn/pairs) and an automated extraction method according to thepresent invention (left column/pairs). The data suggests that theautomatic process of the present application provides a better recoveryof sample gDNA than the Qiagen process. FIG. 6G shows the processingtimes for 200 μl whole blood processed from a TruTip® filter (Column 1)as compared to five other competitor extraction systems (Columns 2-6).

Example 3: Protocol for Purifying Fetal Nucleic Acids

Non-invasive prenatal diagnostics (NIPD) is an important and rapidlygrowing market offering ground-breaking medical advancements due to itsability to replace the standard prenatal diagnostic methods which carrymany risks, including fetal deformation and miscarriage. Instead,testing for genetic abnormalities in fetal DNA present in the mother'splasma only requires a simple blood draw. Though this method offers alower risk approach to prenatal diagnostics, there are also manychallenges with the sample type that require special processingtechniques. First, fetal DNA is present at low concentration in maternalplasma early on in the pregnancy, so it is important to be able toprocess large sample volumes and concentrate them to achieve adequateamounts for analysis. However, current kits available on the marketallow input volumes of only 250 μL-5 ml and isolate total nucleic acid.Second, fetal circulating DNA is present in maternal plasma in a highbackground of maternal circulating DNA (Lo 1997). If the blood sample isnot processed in a timely manner (<24 hrs), then the background ofmaternal DNA increases over time causing a further decrease in the %fetal DNA present (Barrett 2011). This low ratio makes it difficult toaccurately quantitate different copy numbers of genes specific to thefetal DNA. Furthermore, the maternal plasma samples, depending on howquickly they are processed, can contain clotting factors and otherproteins and coagulants that cause clogging of spin column bindingmaterials. Third, the current kits use silica spin column methods thatare not easily automated which is an important capability when moving toa clinical diagnostic assay with regulatory approval.

An exemplary protocol for separating and isolating fetal nucleic acidsfrom maternal nucleic acids in a plasma sample in accordance with thepresent invention is provided below.

3.1.0 Set-Up

3.1.1 Aliquot 615 μl Proteinase K to each 5 ml Sample Tube (two 5 mlsample tube per sample).

3.1.2 Add 1 μg Carrier RNA (5 μL of 0.2 μg/μl) to each Sample Tube.

3.1.3 Add 6.2 ml Lysis Buffer CN-L1 to each Sample Tube.

3.1.4 Add 5 ml plasma sample to each Sample Tube.

3.1.5 Vortex the Sample Tubes for 30 seconds at maximum speed.

3.1.6 Incubate at 60° C. for 30 minutes in a water bath.

3.1.7 Add 12 ml Binding Buffer CN-B1 to each Sample Tube.

3.1.8 Add 10 μl BSA (20 mg/ml) to each Sample Tube.

3.1.9 Vortex the Sample Tubes for 15 seconds at maximum speed.

3.1.10 Incubate Sample Tubes on ice for 5 minutes

3.2.0 Extraction:

3.2.1 Binding of fetal and maternal DNA to Filter

-   -   3.2.1.1 Attach a 20 ml Pipette Tip to a motorized pipette        filler.    -   3.2.1.2 Pipette liquid in Sample Tube A for 18 cycles        (cycle=aspirate+dispense).    -   3.2.1.3 Repeat Step 3.2.1.2 for Sample Tube B.    -   3.2.1.4 Discard sample tubes (containing liquid sample) but        retain the Pipette Tip.        The nucleic acid is now bound to the Pipette Tip Filter.

3.2.2 Wash

-   -   3.2.2.1 Using motorized pipette filler, pipette wash buffer        through Pipette Tip for 1 cycle.    -   3.2.2.2 Discard wash buffer but retain the Pipette Tip.    -   3.2.2.3 Repeat step 3.2.2 three more times.        The nucleic acid is still bound to the Pipette Tip Filter.

3.2.3 Dry

-   -   3.2.3.1 Using motorized pipette filler, pass air through the        Pipette Tip Filter for 15 cycles. Gently tap the Pipette Tip        intermittently if a noticeable amount of Wash Buffer is left.        This step is to avoid PCR inhibition that may occur from excess        Wash Buffer.    -   3.2.3.2 Wait 1 minute to allow the Pipette Tip Filter to        thoroughly dry.        The nucleic acid is still bound to the Pipette Tip Filter.

3.2.4 Elute purified maternal and fetal nucleic acids from Pipette Tip

-   -   3.2.4.1 Draw Elution Buffer up through Pipette Tip and wait 1        minute to allow Elution Buffer to incubate on the Filter.    -   3.2.4.2 Pipette liquid into Elution 1 Tube and repeat for a        total of 5 cycles.    -   3.2.4.3 Repeat Steps 3.2.4.1 and 3.2.4.2 with Elution 2 Tube.    -   3.2.4.4 Spin down tubes and combine sample from Elution Tubes 1        & 2.    -   3.2.4.5 Measure the total volume contained in Elution Tube and        bring the volume up to 450 μl with Elution Buffer A2.        Extracted nucleic acid is now in the Elution Tube.    -   3.2.4.6 Discard the Pipette Tip.        Purified nucleic acid is now ready for Exclusion and        Concentration.

3.3.0 Exclusion of HMW nucleic acids

3.3.1 Set-Up:

-   -   3.3.1.1 Transfer the eluted sample from step 3.2.4.5 to the 2 ml        microcentrifuge tube labeled with the appropriate sample number.    -   3.3.1.2 Add 495 μl Binding Buffer CN-B2.    -   3.3.1.3 Vortex sample for 10 seconds and pulse spin.

3.3.2 Selectively bind HMW nucleic acids to Pipette Tip

-   -   3.3.2.1 Attach a 1 ml 4 mm Pipette Tip to an electronic pipette.    -   3.3.2.2 Pipette liquid from Sample Tube for 20 cycles        (cycle=aspirate+dispense).    -   3.3.2.3 Close the Sample Tube and set aside.        DO NOT discard; Sample Tube contains fetal DNA.    -   3.3.2.4 Retain the Pipette Tip.        The high MW nucleic acid (maternal DNA) is now bound to the        Pipette Tip Filter.

3.3.3 Rinse Pipette Tip

-   -   3.3.3.1 Pipette liquid in Rinse Tube for 5 cycles.    -   3.3.3.2 Discard Rinse Tube but retain the Pipette Tip.        The nucleic acid is released from the Filter.

3.4.0 Concentration of LMW nucleic acids

3.4.1 Set-up:

-   -   3.4.1.1 Add 575 μl of Binding Buffer CN-B3 to Sample Tube.    -   3.4.1.2 Vortex Sample Tube for 10 seconds and pulse spin.

3.4.2 Bind LMW nucleic acids

-   -   3.4.2.1 Pipette liquid in Sample Tube for 20 cycles.    -   3.4.2.2 Discard the Sample Tube but retain the Pipette Tip.        The nucleic acid is now bound to the Filter.

3.4.3 Washing LMW nucleic acids

-   -   3.4.3.1 Maintain same settings as above on the Rainin Pipette.    -   3.4.3.2 Pipette liquid in Wash 1 Tube for 1 cycle.    -   3.4.3.3 Discard Wash 1 Tube but retain Pipette Tip.    -   3.4.3.4 Repeat steps 3.4.3.2 and 3.4.3.3 with Wash 2 Tube.        The nucleic acid is still bound to the Filter.

3.4.4 Dry

-   -   3.4.4.1 With the Pipette Tip in the empty Drying Tube, pass air        through the Pipette Tip for 15 cycles. Gently tap the Pipette        Tip intermittently if a noticeable amount of Wash Buffer is        left.        This step is to avoid PCR inhibition that may occur from excess        Wash Buffer.    -   3.4.4.2 Wait 1 minute to allow the Filter to thoroughly dry.        The nucleic acid is still bound to the Pipette Tip Filter.

3.4.5 Elute

3.4.5.1 Draw liquid in Elution Tube up through Pipette Tip and wait 1minute to allow elution buffer to incubate on the Filter.

3.4.5.2 Pipette liquid in Elution Tube for a total of 10 cycles.

3.4.5.3 Retain eluted sample in the Elution Tube.

Extracted nucleic acid is now in the Elution Tube.

3.4.5.4 Discard the Pipette tip.

Purified nucleic acid is now ready for PCR amplification or storage at−20° C. (−80° C. for long-term storage).

The above-described purification procedure is summarized in FIG. 7. Insome embodiments, only a single Pipette tip is used in the completepurification procedure (i.e., steps 3.1.0 to 3.4.5.4) to lower the costof the procedure. Selective binding of fetal and/or maternal DNA to thePipette tip filter can be achieved with different binding buffer. Insome embodiments, the single Pipette tip contains a glass frit filterwith two sections of different porosity. In other embodiments, thesingle Pipette tip contains a sintered glass frit filter with twosections of different porosity. In other embodiments, the single Pipettetip contains two filters of different porosity and the filters are fusedto each other. In other embodiments, the single Pipette tip contains twoor more filters of different porosity.

In some embodiments, the method described above (i.e., separation offetal DNA based on size exclusion or enrichment) is used in isolation ofother cell-free DNA from samples of cancer patient (for separation ofnormal DNA from tumor DNA) or samples from transplant patient (forseparation of host from donor DNA). The size exclusion/concentrationportion of the protocol could also be used in the library preparationprotocol prior to performing Next Generation Sequencing. Isolation ofsmall fragments of DNA from large volumes of sample (not necessarilyincluding the enrichment) is also a common application for isolation ofinfectious diseases from renal samples.

Example 4. Characterization of the Fetal DNA Extraction ProcedureEfficiency of DNA Recovery

Full length male and female genomic DNA (Promega) was fragmented using ahorn sonicator on the side wall of a PCR tube with glass beads andSonication time was optimized for female and male DNA to produce desiredfragment ranges to develop and demonstrate the ability to discriminatebetween sizes for the exclusion step of the protocol. The results areshown in FIG. 8A. Male DNA was fragmented to a size range of <600 bp(centered around at about 150 bp) to simulate circulating fetal DNA in aplasma sample. Female DNA was fragmented to a size range of from about400 bp to about 1200 bp (centered at about 800 bp) to simulate maternalDNA in a plasma sample. Samples containing a mixture of 200 ngfragmented female DNA and various amount of fragmented male DNA (1, 3,10, 30 and 100 ng) were prepared and extracted with the DNA extractionprotocol described in Example 3. FIG. 8B shows the qPCR results ofrecovery of fragmented male DNA (Chrom Y) DNA and total DNA (Chrom 1,).Data shown are the average of three extractions. Each extraction samplewas run as a duplicate by qPCR. The results illustrate that effectivemale DNA recovery is achieved within the tested concentration range andis comparable to the yields using the Qiagen Circulating Nucleic AcidsKit. The lower amount of total DNA recovered for TruTip compared to theQiagen method demonstrates the effect of the enrichment step in theTruTip protocol.

In another sets of experiments, glass frit filters with differentdimensions and matrix porosities were tested for recovery of fetal andmaternal DNA. Briefly, 10 ml female plasma spiked with 10 ng malefragmented DNA was processed using glass frit filters with differentdimensions and matrix porosities following the procedures described instep 3.2.0 of Example 3 (the extraction step only), the extracted DNAwas recovered in 250 ul elution buffer and analyzed by qPCR for fetal(CHY) and total (CH1) DNA. The results are summarized in Table 6.

TABLE 6 CHY (male DNA) CH1 (total DNA) Sample Avg Avg Avg name Tip TypeCp1 Conc1 Cp2 Conc2 Cp Conc Cp1 Conc1 Cp2 Conc2 Cp Avg Conc E1 4 mm/8 mm26.93 3.51E−01 26.82 3.77E−01 26.92 3.55E−01 24.99 2.59E+00 24.932.68E+00 25.00 2.57E+00 (16-40 um porosity) E2 4 mm/8 mm 26.98 3.40E−0126.94 3.50E−01 25.05 2.49E+00 25.04 2.50E+00 (16-40 um porosity) E3 4mm/7 mm 27.57 2.34E−01 27.63 2.25E−01 27.19 3.08E−01 25.77 1.60E+0025.85 1.53E+00 25.34 2.18E+00 (16-40 um porosity) E4 4 mm/7 mm 26.793.84E−01 26.78 3.87E−01 24.87 2.77E+00 24.86 2.80E+00 (16-40 umporosity) E5 4 mm/7 mm 26.94 3.51E−01 26.95 3.48E−01 26.91 3.57E−0125.07 2.47E+00 25.06 2.47E+00 25.05 2.49E+00 (dual filter)* E6 4 mm/7 mm26.8 3.82E−01 26.95 3.48E−01 25.02 2.54E+00 25.06 2.48E+00 (dualfilter)* E7 4 mm/7 mm 28.53 1.21E−01 28.35 1.39E−01 28.79 1.04E−01 26.868.29E−01 26.8 8.58E−01 26.97 7.81E−01 (40-60 um porosity) E8 4 mm/7 mm29.22 7.22E−02 29.05 8.22E−02 27.09 7.23E−01 27.11 7.14E−01 (40-60 umporosity)

A mixture of fragmented male and female DNA (input) was extracted usingthe basic protocol of Example 3 with or without step 3.3. As shown inFIG. 9, in the absence of exclusion step 3.3, the concentration step 3.4is able to recover 80% of the male DNA with slight enrichment comparedto the input (˜2.4%). When the exclusion step 3.3 is included with theconcentration step, results show that there is slightly lower recoveryfor the male DNA (CHY), but significantly lower female DNA recovery,resulting in an overall increase in % fetal DNA of ˜8% in this case(Table 7).

TABLE 7 CHY (male DNA) CH1 (total DNA) Std. Avg. Avg. Std. Avg. SampleAvg. Dev. Conc. Conc. % Avg. Dev. Avg. Conc. Conc. % % Name Cp (CP)(GES/uL) (ng/uL) Recovery Cp (Cp) (GES/uL) (ng/uL) Recovery Fetal Input26.21 5.76E+01 3.80E−01 24.07 5.38E+02 3.55E+00 10.7% TruTip 26.75 0.173.99E+01 2.63E−01 69.24 25.38 2.16E+02 1.43E+00 40.15 18.5% Exclusion &Conc. (n = 4) Input 26.53 4.61E+01 3.04E−01 24.52 3.93E+02 2.59E+0011.7% TruTip 26.78 0.20 3.90E+01 2.57E−01 84.62 25.04 0.23 2.77E+021.83E+00 70.54 14.1% Conc. Only (n = 4) GES = genome equivalents

Example 5: Automated Protocol for Extracting Fetal Nucleic Acids fromLarge Volume Plasma Samples

The Hamilton STARplus instrument was used to develop and demonstrate anautomated protocol for extracting freely circulating fetal DNA from 5 mlof maternal plasma. The STARplus system can support two automatedpipette channel arms, one with 8×5 ml channels and one with 8×1 mlchannels. These arms can operate in parallel for staggered processing inbatches of 8 samples each. A 5 ml filter tip may be used for the initiallarge-volume extraction, and a 1 ml filter tip may be used for sizeseparation and further concentration of the extracted nucleic acid.

Set-Up:

5.1 Turn on the STARplus instrument and computer.

5.2 Open the Hamilton Run Control software.

5.3 Open the Run file provided by Akonni for 8 large volume plasmasamples.

5.4 Place labware onto the STARplus deck as shown in FIG. 10.

5.5 Dispense reagents into their corresponding reservoirs according toTable 8:

TABLE 8 Reagent Volume (ml) Trough Position CN-W1 17 5A CN-W2 17 5BCN-W2 21 5C Proteinase K (20 mg ml⁻¹) 5 6A EBB 17 6B EBA2 5 6C CN-W3 56D CN-B2 5 6E CN-B3 5 6F CN-L1 175 7 CN-B1 52 8

5.6 Allow sample to equilibrate to room temperature.

5.7 Place the sample tubes in the Sample Carrier racks (deck position 3in FIG. 10A). Place Sample 1 in the rear and move sequentially towardthe front of the deck.

Automated Program:

36) Because of the large input sample volume, pre-treatment steps mustbe performed off of the Hamilton STARplus instrument in a water bath.Steps requiring user intervention within the automated protocol areindicated with an asterisk (*) at the beginning of the sentence, andbold type.

Pre-Treatment:

The sample is incubated with proteinase K and lysis buffer to homogenizethe sample and lyse cells to release the DNA.

5.8 Select the PLAY button in the upper left of the Run file window.

5.9 The automated script adds 5 ml plasma, 615 ul proteinase K, and 6.3ml Lysis Buffer CN-L1 to each 50 ml conical tube, and will then PAUSE.

5.10 *Remove the 50 ml conical tubes from the sample deck, vortex for 30seconds on high speed, and incubate off-line for 30 min at 60° C. in awater bath or heat block. After the conical tubes are removed from theHamilton deck, RESUME the automated script to continue dispensingreagents into their respective plates and wells (FIGS. 10B and 10C):

-   -   2 ml CN-W1 to every-other well in position 9 column 1    -   2 ml CN-W2 to every-other well in position 9 column 2    -   2 ml CN-W4 to every-other well in position 9 column 3    -   250 μl EA2 to every-other well in position 9 columns 4 and 5.    -   1 ml EBB to every well in position 10 column 2.    -   500 μl CN-W3 to every well in position 10 column 3.    -   500 μl CN-W4 to every well in position 10 column 4.    -   50 μl EBA2 to every well in position 10 column 5.

Because the 5 ml channels are too wide to use adjacent wells for eachsample, the automated program therefore dispenses reagents into everyother well of the deep well plate in deck position 9.

After dispensing reagents, the program will PAUSE.

5.11 *After the 30 min, 60° C. incubation, place the 50 ml conical tubeson ice for 5 min.

5.12 *Return 50 ml conical tubes to their original positions within thesample carrier rack at deck position 4, and RESUME the automated script.

5.13 Add 12 ml Binding Buffer CN-B1 to each sample tube and mix 10times.

Large Volume Extraction:

5 ml filter tips may be used for extracting total DNA from the lysedplasma sample.

5.14 Pick up 5 ml filter tips from position 2 for the large-volumenucleic acid extraction.

5.15 Cycle the sample mixture 15 times in the 50 ml conical tube,starting at the bottom of the tube and moving 3 mm higher after eachpipetting cycle. This step binds the total nucleic acid to the bindingmatrix.

5.16 Move the filter tips to the deep well plates at position 6 column1, and cycle 1 time in Wash Buffer CN-W1.

5.17 Move the filter tips to position 9 column 2 and cycle 1 time inWash CN-W2.

5.18 Move the filter tips to position 9 column 3 and cycle 2 times inWash CN-W4.

5.19 Move the filter tips to position 9 column 4 and cycle 40 times athigh speed to dry binding matrix.

5.20 Move the filter tips to position 9 column 5 and cycle 10 times toelute the bound nucleic acids from the 5 ml filter tips. This islarge-volume elution #1.

5.21 Move the filter tips to column 6 and repeat the step with thesecond aliquot of elution butter. This is large-volume elution #2.

5.22 Transfer elution #2 into position 9 column 5 to combine it withelution #1, and discard the filter tips.

Exclusion and Concentration:

The high molecular weight DNA is removed from the extracted sample, andthe remaining DNA is isolated and concentrated.

5.23 Add combined eluant from step 5.22 to position 10 column 1 and mixthoroughly 10 times.

5.24 Pick up 1 ml filter tips from position 13 and cycle 20 times tobind the high molecular weight DNA to the matrix.

5.25 Move the filter tips to position 10 column 2 and cycle 5 times torinse the tip. The filter tips are retained and placed back in the tiprack at position 13.

5.26 With reagent tips from position 12, add 575 μl of Binding BufferCN-B3 to the sample in position 10 column 1 and mix 10 times.

5.27 Pick up the filter tips from step 5.25, return to position 10column 1, and cycle 20 times to bind the remaining DNA from the sampleto the 1 ml filter tip.

5.28 Move the filter tips to position 10 column 4 and cycle 1 time inWash CN-W3 to remove any remaining inhibitors.

5.29 Move the filter tips to position 10 column 5 and cycle 1 time inWash CN-W4 to rinse residual guanidine from CN-W3.

5.30 Raise the filter tips over position 10 column 5 and cycle airthrough the tips 35 times to dry the matrix.

5.31 Move the filter tips to position 10 column 6 and cycle 10 times inEBA2 to elute the purified, size-selected and concentrated nucleic acid.

5.32 Discard the filter tips.

5.33 Transfer the eluted sample from column 6 to 1.5 ml tubes inposition 11. Extracted samples are ready for storage or downstreamprocessing.

Table 9 provides a listing of the reagents and equipment used in Example5.

TABLE 9 Reagent/Material Company Catalog Number TruTip R + D CirculatingDNA Akonni Extraction Kit (Hamilton Biosystems TruTips ®) 100% ethanolSigma-Aldrich 459828-1L Isopropanol Acros AC327270010 Organics/FisherScientific Filtered 4 ml Tips Hamilton 184022 Unfiltered 1 ml TipsHamilton 235939 96-Deep Well Plates USA Scientific 1896-2800  50 mlConical Tubes Corning/Fisher- 05-526B   Scientific  50 ml ReagentTroughs Hamilton 120 ml Reagent Troughs Hamilton 182703 Large Volume96-Pos Fisher Scientific 14-222-412 Reagent Troughs Equipment CompanyCatalog Number Hamilton STARplus System Hamilton Tip Carriers Hamilton182085 50 ml Tube Carriers Hamilton 182245 24 Position Sample CarriersHamilton 32 Position Sample Carrier Hamilton 173410 Multiflex CarrierHamilton Position 1: CPAC or HHS (7 Track wide) with Round bottom plateadapter Hamilton Position 2: MFX_Rgt Module (PN 188047) with track (7 à6) adapter Hamilton Position 3: MFX_DWP Module (PN 188042) with track (7à 6) adapter Hamilton Position 4: MFX_DWP Module (PN 188042) with track(7 à 6) adapter

Representative Results:

Real-time results from eight replicate samples of a pooled maternalplasma sample processed with the large-volume filter tip procedure areshown in FIG. 11A. The full protocol (including off-line proteinase Kpre-treatment) is finished in approximately 2 hours. The average C_(t)values over all replicates were 34.58±0.66 and 29.76±0.50 for fetal male(CHY) and total (CH1) DNA, respectively, which demonstrates excellentrepeatability of the automated extraction method. The concentration offetal DNA within the total DNA pool (in genome equivalents), wascalculated based on fit point analysis comparison to standards, with theresulting average % fetal DNA across all samples of 2.8%. The actual %fetal DNA for this sample is unknown because the samples were pooledbefore performing the extraction.

FIG. 11B shows a comparison of percent fetal DNA recovered from 11unique duplicate maternal plasma samples using an automated systememploying Akonni TruTip® filters in accordance with the above-describedextraction procedures (left column/pairs) and Qiagen's manualCirculating Nucleic Acid Kit (right column/pairs).

Without being bound to any particular theory or action, the presentinvention meets the needs described above by implementing a rigid,self-supporting matrix structure that is relatively thick for highbinding capacity, contains relatively large porosities for low fluidimpedance, faster flow rates, and higher tolerance to particles inclinical and environmental samples, and consists of no loose material(e.g., silica gel, diatomaceous earth, glass beads).

The binding matrix and tip format provides numerous advantages notrealized in current technologies including: i) high-surface area forincreased extraction efficiency and concentration, ii) large porosityfor large sample volumes and dirty samples, iii) simple conceptobviating the need for a centrifuge or vacuum manifold; and iv)compatibility of extracted products with any downstream amplificationdetection system. The system described herein avoids the use of flimsy,delicate materials (e.g., fiber filters, membrane filters, siliconmicrostructures) so as to provide rugged operation and simplifiedmanufacturing that is well characterized and easily scaled-up for higherthroughput processing on a robotics liquid handing system.

The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way ofillustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in theart will recognize that many variations are possible within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and theirequivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadestpossible sense unless otherwise indicated.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for separating and isolating low molecularweight (LMW) nucleic acids from high molecular weight (HMW) nucleicacids in a sample, comprising: (a) flowing a sample comprising LMWnucleic acids and HMW nucleic acids through a first filter, underconditions that allow specific binding of the LMW and HMW nucleic acidsto the first filter; (b) eluting bound LMW and HMW nucleic acids fromthe first filter to form a concentrated nucleic acid sample comprisingLMW nucleic acids and HMW nucleic acids; (c) flowing the concentratednucleic acid sample through a second filter, under conditions that allowthe HMW nucleic acids to bind to the second filter and the LMW nucleicacids to flow through the second filter; and (d) collecting theflow-through fraction from the second filter, wherein the flow-throughfraction from the second filter contains LMW nucleic acids, wherein theconditions that allow specific binding of the LMW and HMW nucleic acidsto the first filter in step (a) comprise forming a first binding mixturethat comprises the sample, an aliphatic alcohol in a range between about17-25% (v/v) and a chaotropic salt in a concentration range betweenabout 0.5 M to about 4.0 M.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein theconditions for binding the HMW nucleic acids to the second filter instep (c) comprise forming a second binding mixture that comprises theconcentrated nucleic acid sample, an aliphatic alcohol in a rangebetween about 0-100/(v/v) and a chaotropic salt in a concentration rangebetween about 1 M to about 4.0 M.
 23. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising the steps of: (e1) eluting bound HMW nucleic acids from thesecond filter to produce a regenerated second filter; (f1) flowing theflow-through fraction from the second filter through the regeneratedsecond filter under conditions that allow binding of LMW nucleic acidsto the second filter; and (h1) eluting bound LMW nucleic acids from thesecond filter in step (f1).
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein theconditions for binding the LMW nucleic acids to the second filter instep (f1) comprise forming a third binding mixture that comprises theflow-through fraction from the second glass frit filter, an aliphaticalcohol in a range between about 10-25% (v/v) and a chaotropic salt in aconcentration range between about 1 M to about 5.0 M.
 25. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the first and second filters are self-supporting glassfrits.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the glass flits are sinteredglass frits.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the first glass fritfilter has a pore size of 16-40 micron and the second glass frit filterhas a pore size of 4-5.5 micron.
 28. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising the steps of: (e2) flowing the flow-through fraction from thesecond filter through a third filter under conditions that allow bindingof the LMW nucleic acids to the third filter; and (f2) eluting bound LMWnucleic acids from the third filter.
 29. The method of claim 21, whereinone or both of the first and second filter comprises a glass fritcomprising a first section having a first pore size and second sectionhaving a second pore size, wherein the first pore size is different fromthe second pore size.
 30. A kit for isolating LMW nucleic acids from HMWnucleic acids in a sample, comprising: a pipette tip comprising aself-supporting glass flit filter, wherein the glass frit filterspecifically binds to nucleic acids, wherein the glass frit filter has apore size of 2-220 microns and is not treated or coated with an agentthat improves binding of nucleic acid to the glass frit filter, a firstbinding buffer formulated to be mixed with a plasma sample and provide afirst binding mixture having about 17-25% v/v of an aliphatic alcoholand a chaotropic salt at a concentration of between about 0.5 M to about4.0 M; and a second binding buffer formulated to be mixed with a plasmasample and provide a first binding mixture having about 0-10% v/v of analiphatic alcohol and a chaotropic salt at a concentration of betweenabout 1 M to about 4.0 M.
 31. The kit of claim 30, comprising: a firstpipette tip comprising a first glass frit filter and having a tip volumeof 10-50 ml; and a second pipette tip comprising a second glass flitfilter and having a tip volume of 0.5-2 ml.
 32. The kit of claim 31,wherein the first glass frit filter has a pore size of 16-40 microns andthe second glass frit filter has a pore size of 4-5.5 microns.
 33. Thekit of claim 31, further comprising a third pipette tip comprising athird glass frit filter and having a tip volume of 0.2-2 ml.
 34. The kitof claim 33, wherein the third glass frit filter has a pore size of16-40 microns.
 35. The kit of claim 33, wherein the third glass fritfilter has a pore size of 4-10 microns.
 36. The kit of claim 30, whereinthe glass frit filter comprises a fused glass frit comprising a firstsection having a first pore size and second section having a second poresize.
 37. The kit of claim 36, wherein the first section has a pore sizeof 100-160 microns and the second section has a pore size of 16-40microns, or wherein the first section has a pore size of 16-40 micronsand the second section has a pore size of 4-5.5 microns.
 38. The kit ofclaim 36, wherein the glass frit filter has a pore size of 16-40 micronand the glass frit filter in the additional pipette tip has a pore sizeof 4-10 micron.
 39. The kit of claim 36, wherein the glass frit filtercomprises a fused glass frit comprising a first section having a firstpore size and second section having a second pore size.
 40. The kit ofclaim 39, wherein the first section has a pore size of 100-160 micronsand the second section has a pore size of 16-40 microns, or wherein thefirst section has a pore size of 16-40 microns and the second sectionhas a pore size of 4-10 microns.